Visitors can get up close to the largest hawk in North America at the Puget Sound WildCare’s Wings of Fall event on Sunday, Nov. 19.
Attendance is free and children are welcome to see the hawk from noon to 4 p.m. at the center, 28727 216th Ave. SE, Kent.
The featured speaker will be Craig Moran, a falconer for 30 years who holds a master falconer classification. Moran, a board member, has a degree in biology and a master’s in education. His experience with raptors includes working with artificial insemination with bald eagles, the capture, data collection and release of golden eagles, and the relocation and data collection with burrowing owls.
Moran has worked as a zookeeper/curator and education coordinator for 10 years. He is the owner of RaptorLife.org, which conducts raptor education programs throughout Washington.
In addition, Yun Byeon will map out the importance of migratory birds; Craig Holmes will reveal the hidden secrets of birds’ eggs; and Dr. Jan White will explore the local threats and challenges for Pileated Woodpeckers.
Fancy the Crow will greet people on admission. While no wildlife undergoing rehabilitation will be present for the tours, it will have a group of specially permitted education ambassadors on hand to greet visitors.
Puget Sound WildCare (previously South Sound Critter Care) is a registered nonprofit charity focused on wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education and wildlife conservation. It was opened for mammal and reptile care in 2009 and was federally permitted for migratory bird species in 2010. The center has grown to take in about 2,500 animals a year and has built 30-plus outdoor enclosures on two properties.
Program schedule
Noon: Wings of Fall: Migratory Birds, why they matter, Yun Byeon
12:30 p.m. – Intermission
12:45 p.m. – The Life of a Ferruginous Hawk, Craig Moran
1:15 p.m. – Intermission
1:30 p.m. – The Wonders of Bird Eggs: What they can tell us, Craig Holmes
2 p.m. – Intermission
2:15 p.m. – Pileated Woodpeckers: Threats and Challenges, Jan White
2:45 p.m. – Intermission
3 p.m. – The Life of a Ferruginous Hawk (repeat), Craig Moran
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