Raptorama 2020 at Marine Park

Raptorama 2020 (AKA Raptorfest) took place this year at Marine Park, Brooklyn, Sunday, October 18. Things were a bit different this year due to COVID-19, so precautions were taken such as limiting the number of attendees, requiring masks and putting time limits on the sessions with the birds. Nevertheless, it was a good time all around, and we really enjoyed being up close to several birds generously brought in by Bobby and Cathy Horvath of WINORR (Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation).

The highlight for me this year was seeing this gorgeous Golden Eagle, a bird I don't get to see every day, or really ever.

He is magnificent!

We've met this Bald Eagle named Montana before and he is exceptional every time.

I was captivated by this Gyrfalcon, who is apparently retired from falconry, so was very at-ease in the presence of people.

You can see the differences in the facial markings as compared to this Peregrine Falcon, below. This guy is always a favorite to see up close. In the wilds of the city, we usually see them soaring above the skyscrapers or perched on high ledges.

Meet the Merlin, a much smaller falcon, but still fierce!

The smallest and fiercest of all the falcons, in my opinion, is the American Kestrel. In the city, I usually observe them chasing much larger hawks and making a loud ruckus. This male, however, stayed so quiet, I kept forgetting he was there. What a sweetie.

This beauty is Gypsy, a Rough-Legged Hawk.

And this is the lovely Diana, a Red-Tailed Hawk.

This Eurasian Eagle Owl was raised as a chick by the Horvaths and is one of the family.

The owl is so comfortable with them, at first glance, he resembles a snuggly cat.

There were a few more raptors featured at Raptorama, and you can see more photos of the event on my Flickr page.

Thank you to the Horvaths for sharing their birds, as well as NYC Audubon, the American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service for organizing this event under unprecedented circumstances.

I asked the Horvaths how Dora (our former First Lady red-tailed hawk of Tompkins Square Park) is doing and I was told she is happy and healthy in the care of WINORR. She has a mate and is eating well. WINORR is a volunteer non-profit organization that relies on donations, so please consider supporting them by visiting their GoFundMe page.

See highlights from previous NYC Raptorfests here and here.

Raptorfest 2017

Below are some highlights from Raptorfest 2017, which was held in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx this last Saturday.  Thanks to the NYC Urban Park Rangers for hosting the event, and to Bobby and Cathy Horvath from WINORR who generously shared their birds and patiently answered a million questions.  I love this event because it's a positive educational experience, and a lot of fun.

Raptorfest gives us the rare opportunity to see birds up close that we would not normally get to see in the wild.  For instance, this Peregrine Falcon.





We see Peregrines flying over the city and perching on high buildings fairly often, but I've never been just inches away from one. 



We do often see Kestrels in the city at street level, but it's still a thrill to see one in person.







Below, Ranger Rob introduces a Red-Tailed Hawk to some girls.





My personal fave is this Rough-Legged Hawk named Gypsy.  If she looks familiar, it's because I've photographed her before at Raptorfest 2014.



Her coloring and feathers are gorgeous.





This Ferruginous Hawk is native to the west, so we're not likely to see one flying around this area. Note the pale eyes.



This is an Eastern Screech Owl.





This otherworldly Barn Owl announced its presence with its terrifying voice. 



Much larger and intimidating than the Barn Owl s this Eurasian Eagle Owl.  The handler told me it weighs about ten pounds. Note the huge talon.





I did not enhance the color on these photos - the bright orange eye color is all natural.



I was really intrigued by this Pied Crow, who is native to Africa.  Apparently, this one talks, although he was shy while I was there and did not vocalize.



Finally, you can't have Raptorfest without a Bald Eagle.



Some size perspective...



This particular eagle is blind in one eye, and is unable to live in the wild.




See many more photos of Raptorfest 2017 here.


Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitaion (WINORR) is a non-profit volunteer organization that works tirelessly to care for sick and injured wildlife in the New York City area.  If you would like to help, please consider a donation to their fundraiser.

Raptorfest!

I ventured out to Prospect Park this last weekend for Raptorfest, an event organized by the Urban Park Rangers.  It was a great opportunity to meet some beautiful birds up close.

Like this ferruginous hawk...

Hello!



And this sweet rough-legged hawk.



This Harris's hawk put on a skillful display...



...by flying through this guy's arms.



Here's a familiar red-tailed hawk, and the very same Ranger Rob, who rescued our local Christodora hawk fledgling (Shaft!) from an air shaft this last June.



I liked this plucky raven.



This kestrel knows he's a superstar.



As does this gorgeous barn owl, ready for its close-up...



One of the biggest highlights was this Eurasian Eagle Owl.



There's no escaping those eyes...



But this little saw-whet owl really stole the show.



All the birds were in the care of Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation (WINORR).  Do check out their Facebook page to see the wonderful work they do to care for sick and injured wildlife.

Thanks to the all the park rangers and volunteers who made this event happen.

And, because I am obsessed with hawk tongues...

 

See many more Raptorfest photos here.