Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will share the thrill of live raptors and the importance of conserving birds of prey on July 28 with a special presentation of Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience from 10 am to 3 pm in the Visitor Center parking lot.

This program is free and open to the public. As always, a modest trail fee applies for those who wish to visit scenic overlooks.

The program is presented by mother-daughter falconer team Lorrie Westman and daughter Talon Skye, and offers a unique chance to see and photograph as many as eight owls, hawks and falcons up close. Controlled flying demonstrations will be held at 11 am and 2 pm, and the program will be set up in the Sanctuary’s meadow lot.

“Talons!” promises a high level of audience participation and helps to teach visitors how birds fly and interact with their environment. The presenters, both long-time master falconers, will soar through topics including raptor conservation and the importance of these birds in keeping our environment's natural balance.

The program also offers visitors a chance to unique raptor species, including world’s largest owl, the orange-eyed Eurasian Eagle Owl, as well as a Harris’s Hawk, an African pied crow and more.

Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience has thrilled hundreds of thousands of guests at sportsmen's shows throughout the northeast including the Eastern Sports and Outdoor show in Harrisburg, as well as expos and other large events in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine.

Hawk Mountain is located at 1700 Hawk Mountain Road in Kempton, and is the world’s first refuge for birds of prey. Over the past 75 years, Hawk Mountain has gained international acclaim as a center for conservation, education and research about birds of prey. Education programs focus on raptors (predatory birds such as hawks, eagles and falcons), bird watching, and Hawk Mountain history.

Trail fees and membership dues help to support Hawk Mountain conservation science and education programs. Admission is always free for members and children ages 5 and under.

For more information on visiting or for a complete list of other nature events, walks and talks, visit the Hawk Mountain website or call 610-756-6961.

7/23/2012