Raptor Center at Colorado State Schedules Birds of Prey Class

Can’t tell an eagle from an owl, a kestrel from a peregrine falcon or a Swainson’s hawk from a ferruginous hawk? A Colorado State University course may help beginning and experienced birdwatchers alike learn more about the raptors that populate the state’s Front Range.

Classes on three consecutive Saturdays in November, presented by Colorado State’s Rocky Mountain Raptor Program and the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Watchable Wildlife Program, will examine the behavior and lives of raptors.

Judy Scherpelz, director of the Raptor Program, will teach the class, scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 6, 13 and 20.

The Nov. 6 session will include lectures and demonstrations on the anatomy and physiology of birds of prey, their courtship and breeding, population trends, migration and environmental issues that affect raptors. On Nov. 13, presentations will focus on individual species, their habits and identification of hawks, falcons, eagles and owls, using slides and live birds as demonstrations.

The final session Nov. 20 will be a field trip covering a variety of habitats throughout northern Colorado and will concentrate on how and where to observe birds of prey, field identification of birds and local birds of interest. (Attendance at one of the first two sessions is required to attend the final class.)

Cost of the class is $50 per person per session or $125 for all three sessions. All fees will help support the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Classes will be held in Room A221, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake St., Fort Collins.

For additional information or to register call (970) 491-0398.