This year’s event added greater focus on interactive activities for kids. Along with art projects and face painting, activities included dissecting regurgitated owl pellets! Not so messy as it sounds, the pellets were dry and contain hidden animal bones and skulls that the kids could find like hidden treasure. The activity went over so well, organizers are planning to expand on this theme next year by adding a virtual interactive program.Because the exhibits were located in the gym with the presentations, I actually got to enjoy the programs, too. Among the presenters, John and Dale Stokes from S.O.A.R. performed their outstanding birds of prey show.
Dale shows the crowd an American Kestrel.
In his second flying demonstration, the kestrel steals his prey and puts the viewers on edge by landing in the rafters. 
Then he peers down at everyone from his high perch! 
Coaxed down with another treat and signal, he rejoins his handlers and mantels the next food he captures from John's hand. 
Below, John shows the crowd a barred owl. All of S.O.A.R.'s educational birds are either injured or were imprinted on humans at an early age and are unable to survive in the wild. (Don't miss the expressions on the lower right of the photo!) 
Below a broad-winged hawk...
who flies to Dale and snatches his prey. It's fun to get a close look at the relative size of these birds compared to each other and to humans.
Below, Dale introduces a red-tailed hawk with the "Krider's" pale morph coloration found more often in the west.
His flight demonstrations caused the crowd to gasp as he flew low over heads and lifted up at the last minute to land on Dale's glove with precision.
Pay a visit to S.O.A.R.'s blog for information about upcoming shows or to schedule a program.
Next: A black vulture steals the show.
What beautiful gourds! My mom has done some woodburning and painting on a few gourds; I'll definitely have to pass on your link to her as I think she'd love to see your work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful American Kestrel.! Enjoyable, especially that kid with opened mouth. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe have no such event over here.
Vickie those photos are awesome. I would love to see these birds up close.
ReplyDeleteyour bowls are beautiful!!
Monika, thanks for passing my link to your mom. I enjoy the challenge of the gourds surface and the energy of working with them.
ReplyDeleteThe program was so much fun, Tabib. The kids are always wowed by the birds and I am, too.
Toni, I have seen Dale and John's raptor shows for years and never tire of watching the ease and love they have for these birds. Being able to catch photos of the birds in action is a treat and makes me anxious to start sketching!
if i could go back in time...this is the type of job i would have loved to have! great shots of some beautiful birds.
ReplyDeleteGina, I would have more contact with wildlife in my life, too. But narrowing it to a focus would be my challenge!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your festival was a hit. Do you exhibit your art or have a booth at boutiques or crafts fairs too?
ReplyDeleteI exhibit my art at wildlife festivals, mostly on wildlife refuges, so I can combine exhibiting, meeting other people who love nature, and seeing the wildlife I enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThat is great how they brought the animals to show the kids... Wish there was more opportunities like that for kids all around the US.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful presentation! I am going to add their blog to my list! I know these kids (and the adults too!) got a lot out of this! I would love to have my grandson see it! Raptors are some of my favorite birds!
ReplyDeleteMarie
Michele, I've known John and Dale for years and each time I see their show, I am in awe. I wish everyone could see it.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie. Everyone loved it. Its impossible to not be in awe of these birds and the expert way they are handled. I love that Dale and John take whatever happens in stride. Even the surprises.