submitted by Lynne Tyler
Looking for something to do on Canada Day weekend? You can’t go wrong with the Birds
of Prey Show, brought to you again this year by the Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre. There will be three shows on Sunday, July 2nd at 11:00am, 1:00 and 3:00pm.
The show has wowed crowds in the past in our community, as the magnificent birds plunge and soar, performing free flight demonstrations before returning to their handlers.
The Canadian Raptor Conservancy provides the show which features a wide range of birds of prey. Which birds will be at the show is the decision of the Conservancy, but the crowd may see a bald eagle, golden eagle, Harris hawk, barn owl, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, American kestrel or turkey vulture.
The demonstration is expected to include five different raptors from around the world, including at least three birds of prey who will give a free-flying demonstration. While the birds are in flight, the handlers will provide educational commentary about each one.
Will you get to see the raptor with the best vision in nature, able to spot its prey over 20 km away? Will you see the hawk that hunts in a pack, like wolves? There is even a bird of prey that has the most highly developed sense of smell in the world – better than a bloodhound! Or how about a falcon that plunges into a dive that can reach speeds of 200 km/h as it soars over the heads of the crowd? You will have to come and see for yourself.
The Birds of Prey Show will take place in the arboretum of Ferguson Forest (entrance from County Road 43). Signage and volunteers will help direct visitors.
Although admission is free, a suggested donation of $5 (or more) helps Friends put on events of this type and carry out our other programming.
The Friends of Ferguson Forest Centre is a non-profit, volunteer organization that exists to preserve, protect, maintain, and enhance the Ferguson Forest trails and other public-use areas, in partnership with the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation, for the educational benefit and enjoyment of the public and to promote the Ferguson Tree Nursery’s historical and ongoing significance to the Ferguson Forest Centre and the local community. The Friends of FFC hold a number of activities over the year open to the public, including interpretive walks in the Forest, and educational events. (https://www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com)
