Identifying hawks and falcons flying overhead in the Idaho skies can be difficult. In an effort to educate and help bird watchers learn more about these airborne hunters, Images of Nature Gallery and The Peregrine Fund will present an " Evening with Raptors" on Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Raptor specialist Trish Nixon, who works for The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, will be handling two live birds of prey, which attendees will be able to see up close and personal.
"I've always been fascinated with raptors, especially their beauty, grace and power," Nixon said. "I love the educational part of my job because people don't really notice the birds and once they take a look, they realize there is a whole lot to them. It's fun to help them unlock the fascination."
Nixon will discuss the birds' hunting habits, unique adaptations and explain how to identify them when they are seen soaring high in the sky.
Attendees will be allowed to take photographs of the birds being handled by Nixon. In addition, Nixon plans to tell the audience about the vital role birds of prey play in our environment, and how all of us can conserve these magnificent hunters.
"Birds of prey are a barometer for the well-being of our ecosystem," Nixon said. "Eventually, what happens to them happens to us."
For the third summer, Images of Nature Gallery has hosted "Raptor Night," at which Nixon has introduced golden eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks and a rare Aplomado falcon. Nixon said she looks forward to these visits where she is able to educate and introduce a curious public to birds of prey.
"We are going to talk about identifying a bird in its habitat, how well it flies, where it perches as well as its markings and vocalizations," she said.
The Peregrine Fund is a non-profit organization headquartered in Boise that works worldwide to conserve birds of prey and their environments. Through captive breeding and release projects, The Peregrine Fund is currently re-establishing populations of California condors, Aplomado falcons and orange-breasted falcons.
"I would like to see more people have a vested interest in The Peregrine Fund," Nixon said. "We are working around the world, but we want people to take the time to learn about the ecosystem and bio-diversity as well as learn about it in the entire world. The more you learn about it the more you will care about it."
For more details, call Images of Nature Gallery at 727-1836.
Raptor specialist Trish Nixon holds an immature (9-week-old) Swainson?s hawk she is training.
-Courtesy photo
