Raptor Festival in Ft Edward, NY: March 12-13

This is a bit off the 'green' topic but it is something of interest to me, and possibly other readers.

Something few people here know or remember about me is I'm a bit of a birding enthusiast. One of my favorite days (well, there have been several), was the day I spent with a zoologist and two other serious birdwatchers getting up at 4am to scope out the birds in a proposed 300-acre natural area along the coast of western Washington State. I'll never forget that first time I caught sight of a Hairy Woodpecker climbing up a Western Hemlock tree. The thrill of being able to identify this bird was really profound.

I don't do so much birdwatching these days, but this festival looks really interesting, and a great opportunity for young and old, newbie to birdwatching or long time birder enthusiast.

Raptor Festival in Ft Edward: March 12-13

When: Sat, Mar 12, 2011 until Sun, Mar 13, 2011
Where: Little Theatre On The Farm, Fort Edward, New York
Cost: FREE ADMISSION
Don't miss the 1st Annual Winter Raptor Fest in Fort Edward this winter season! It will be a two-day celebration of the birds of prey found throughout the Washington County Grasslands IBA!

If you enjoy a rare glimpse of these creatures in their wild habitat, you will love this event! See these impressive creatures swoop, soar, and show off their skills in live demonstrations and learn more about how you can help protect the endangered and at risk birds in the area!

Celebrated regional watercolor artist, Tom Ryan, has donated a captivating original painting of a Short-eared Owl to Winter Raptor Fest 2011. Fine Art Prints, Event posters and digital prints reproduced from the Ryan painting are on sale now. View them here.

It's the first ever Winter Raptor Fest, and the first event of its kind in the region. Families and bird lovers from all over the Northeast are expected to attend, and what better setting than the Little Theatre On The Farm!?

Event Highlights:
See Hawks and owls fly through a "Tunnel of Talons" formed by youth volunteers in an amazing free-flight raptor show and watch fascinating presentations about the endangered Short-eared Owls and other birds.
Also enjoy activities for the whole family including: Guided Snowshoe Walks, Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides (or wagon rides, weather dependent), Children’s Activities, Food Concessions, Snow Sculpture Competition, and more!

Presentations & Programs Will Include:
•Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience
•The Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York – Birds of Prey
•New York State Wildlife Rehab Council
•Greenwich Citizens Committee
•North Country Wild Care
•Cloudburst Cultivated Ecology
•Birds of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area
Winter Raptor Fest is a collaboration between lead sponsor Washington County Tourism Association, Friends of the Washington County Grasslands IBA and other nonprofits, local businesses and the community