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.
![Peregrine falcon](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36458295654_df38f3ffde_b.jpg)
![Peregrine falcon](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4337/36458269644_2789ef69a6_b.jpg)
We see Peregrines flying over the city and perching on high buildings fairly often, but I've never been just inches away from one.
![Peregrine falcon](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/36458285684_c7eed8880d_b.jpg)
We do often see Kestrels in the city at street level, but it's still a thrill to see one in person.
![Kestrel](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4381/37082798326_1bbfb2288c_b.jpg)
![Kestrel](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4358/36435582614_936e607814_b.jpg)
![Kestrel](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4345/36435584454_cd75af97e7_b.jpg)
Below, Ranger Rob introduces a Red-Tailed Hawk to some girls.
![Red-tailed hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4382/37103867926_5b82b66fa7_b.jpg)
![Red-tailed hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4408/36896913580_afba1fbebd_b.jpg)
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.
![Rough-legged hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4402/37294372145_a290edfedd_b.jpg)
Her coloring and feathers are gorgeous.
![Rough-legged hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4347/37121112742_bf4c21459e_b.jpg)
![Rough-legged hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4361/37294373305_02f7627b22_b.jpg)
This Ferruginous Hawk is native to the west, so we're not likely to see one flying around this area. Note the pale eyes.
![Ferruginous hawk](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36458494173_044c6712b6_b.jpg)
This is an Eastern Screech Owl.
![Eastern screech owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4345/36434696414_83e3d4fbfb_b.jpg)
![Eastern screech owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/36434701194_a181f35157_b.jpg)
This otherworldly Barn Owl announced its presence with its terrifying voice.
![Barn owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4434/37272927855_4b518b2b96_b.jpg)
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.
![Eurasian Eagle Owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4419/37149701681_762448f53c_b.jpg)
![Eurasian Eagle Owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4408/36894631690_68d1af315f_b.jpg)
I did not enhance the color on these photos - the bright orange eye color is all natural.
![Eurasian Eagle Owl](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4336/37149707541_eacf66480b_b.jpg)
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.
![Pied Crow](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4370/37101932866_c600e74fbc_b.jpg)
Finally, you can't have Raptorfest without a Bald Eagle.
![Bald eagle](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4348/37120548352_c2e4b5f19c_b.jpg)
Some size perspective...
![Bald eagle](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4391/37120524752_95a4fddec7_b.jpg)
This particular eagle is blind in one eye, and is unable to live in the wild.
![Bald eagle](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4390/37120559982_642180a320_b.jpg)
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.
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