Although clouds and the threat of heavy winds and rain loomed over the area, the weather held out long enough for bird lovers to experience the thrill of seeing real-life raptors up close and personal at the Salt Marsh Nature Center, at 3301 Avenue U, on Saturday, October 11th.
Hundreds of visitors had the rare opportunity to meet and greet a variety of impressive predatory birds, also known as raptors, at the eighth annual Raptorama! festival, a collaboration of NYC Bird Alliance, American Littoral Society and the Marine Park Alliance Forever Wild Committee.
Families with young children, professional and amateur nature photographers, and bird aficionados alike were mesmerized by the majesty of the birds of prey and were very eager to learn more about them, as falconry-gloved handlers walked around with the perched raptors.
All of the birds on display had been rescued and rehabilitated, and while unable to return to the wild, they now serve as ambassadors of their species by doing important community outreach work that contributes to avian conservation.
While the largest birds — Montana, the Bald Eagle; and Augie, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl — made the biggest impressions on visitors, there were a number of other, smaller species who were also absolutely captivating, like an adorable little Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon, a Raven, a Western Barn Owl, a Red-Shouldered Hawk and Red-Tailed Hawk.
Children were also invited to create their own Kestrel and Osprey bird gliders, observe monarch butterflies and explore the Nature Center throughout the educational event.
