Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 19, 2007

Cumberland, OH (Dec. 19, 2007) – Come to the Wilds Jan. 5 to learn about raptors – birds of prey like hawks, eagles, kestrels and owls – during this special Winter on the Wilds program.

Activities begin with a live bird presentation by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium staff inside the Wilds’ classroom facility. Participants will get a chance to see up close some native and non-native raptors to learn about their distinguishing features and behaviors.

Information about native raptors, like how they sit, fly, and act, where their habitats are, when to expect to see them, and distinguishing markings to look for, will also be shared.

Then, Al Parker, the Wilds’ conservation educator and birding expert, will guide an excursion in the field to put identifying skills into practice while looking for wild raptors on the Wilds’ 10,000-acre property.

The Wilds, located near Cumberland in Muskingum County, has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.

Some of the common raptor species at the Wilds include American kestrel, northern harrier, Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, and short-eared owls. Golden eagles and rough-legged hawks are also common during winter.

A total of 21 species of raptors have been sighted at the Wilds, including the rarer bald eagle, merlin, and peregrine falcon.

The Raptor Identification Day program begins at 10 a.m. and will go to 4 p.m.

Advance reservations are required to attend, and must be made by Jan. 3. Call 740-638-5030 x2286.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Participants bring their own lunch. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided.

Although closed for the regular visitor season, the Wilds provides an excellent opportunity for families, individuals, and groups to explore and experience the Wilds’ forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats through the Winter On the Wilds programs that take place on Saturdays throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

Designed by the Wilds’ professional conservation education staff, these day-long programs provide immersive and memorable learning opportunities on a wide variety of topics.

The mission of the Wilds, situated on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience.

The next Winter on the Wilds program will be the Eagle Survey Day Jan. 12.

The full Winter On the Wilds event schedule, pricing, and details are available at www.thewilds.org.