E-Insight

September 2004

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Offers Birds of Prey Class

Birds of prey are the focus of a class sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife Program. Judy Scherpelz, Director of the RMRP, will teach the class. The class is scheduled to run Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

The first lecture includes demonstrations on the anatomy and physiology of birds of prey. Also included are discussions of courtship, breeding, population trends, migration and environmental issues. The second lecture focuses on individual species habits and identification of hawks (buteos and accipiters), falcons, eagles and owls using slides and live bird demonstrations. The third Saturday is a field trip covering a variety of habitats throughout northern Colorado. The field class will concentrate on how and where to observe birds of prey, field identification of birds, and local areas and birds of interest. Participants must sign up for at least one lecture to sign up for the field trip.

The cost of the Birds of Prey class is $50 per session, or $125 for all three. All fees help support the work of the RMRP. The class is at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Animal Cancer Center Room 120, at 300 West Drake in Fort Collins. To register, call (970) 297-0398.