Live Raptor Demonstration

At Audubon Center

SOUTHBURY — Live raptors — hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, and owls — take center stage at a free program on Saturday, August 18, at the Audubon Center at Bent of the River. Beginning at 3 that afternoon, Audubon’s expert bird handlers will delight kids and adults alike with an up-close look at these fascinating birds of prey. Participants will learn to identify a variety of raptors by their behaviors, physical characteristics, and sounds.

The program will be held at the barn and will last about one hour. Reservations are not required and the program is free. Parking is available in the visitors parking lot near the entrance to the center.

If the world of raptors captures your interest and you wish to pursue other raptor-related activities, September is the month when hawks migrate from their nesting grounds in Canada and New England to their winter grounds in Central and South America, passing through Connecticut on the way. The Audubon Center at Bent of the River is one of many sites throughout the country that monitors the numbers and species of hawks during their migration and the public is invited to join Audubon staff and volunteers in the Hawk Watch count. Information acquired in the Live Raptor Demo can serve as a great introduction to becoming a hawk watcher.

Call the Audubon Center for more information at 264-5098, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm.

The Audubon Center at Bent of the River, a 700-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature education center owned and managed by the National Audubon Society, is home to many species of birds, mammals, butterflies, and amphibians, as well as a rich diversity of tree and plant life. The grounds and more than 15 miles of trails are open to visitors seven days a week during daylight hours.

Bent of the River is at 185 East Flat Hill Road in South Britain, about a half mile from Connecticut Route 172 off of I-84 (Exit 14).