Auction, Dinner Feb. 26 to Benefit Colorado State Raptor Program; Rare 1750 Hand-Colored Engraving of Turkey Vulture Will Help Injured Birds

A variety of items, including a rare 1750 engraving of a turkey vulture, will be among the items sold to help injured birds of prey at Colorado State University’s seventh annual benefit auction for the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Feb. 26.

"A Second Chance At Freedom" will be held from 5-10 p.m. in the Canyon West and Columbine rooms of the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., Fort Collins.

The 1750 engraving, a hand-colored piece on hand-made paper, is by Marcus Catesby, regarded as the father of American ornithology and a famous biologist who first suggested that birds migrate for the winter rather than burrow into mud.

Additional auction items include bronzes from Dan Ostermiller and Dawn Weimer and a hand-made clock by Steve Berens based on the Victorian fretwork design, "Chimes of Normandy."

A weekend cabin in Red Feather Lakes, watercolor paintings, wood carvings and bronzes by local artists, featuring contemporary artists Sandy Scott, Bob O’Rourke, Dick Pillmore and others, also will be auctioned. Jewelry, books, dinners and services have been donated by local businesses.

A silent auction will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. and a live auction will begin at 7 p.m. featuring auctioneer Jack Salisbury. Proceeds will support medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured eagles, hawks, and owls and for public environmental education.

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, affiliated with Colorado State’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, works with injured birds of prey. Injured birds are nursed back to health and released into the wild. Permanently injured birds are cared for and participate in public education. The program is staffed by volunteers.

The evening’s program includes a buffet dinner catered by The Rainbow and jazz by the Ron Cottingham Trio. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at the Raptor Program office (behind the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 300 W. Drake Road) or from Raptor Program volunteers. Reserved tables are available for groups of 10 through advanced sales, and tickets also can be purchased at the door.

For more information call the Raptor Program at (970) 491-0398.