Colorado State’s Rocky Mountain Raptor Program and Colorado Division of Wildlife Conduct Birds of Prey Classes (2000)

Birds of prey will be the focus of a series of classes scheduled on three Saturdays in November by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program and the Colorado Division of Wildife’s Watchable Wildlife Program. Judy Scherpelz, director of the Raptor Program, will teach the classes, scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 4, 11 and 18.

The first session on Nov. 4 will explore the anatomy and physiology of birds of prey, their habits of courtship and breeding, population trends, migration and environmental issues.

Session two on Nov. 11 will focus on individual species’ habits and, using slides and live bird demonstrations, participants will learn identifying features of hawks, falcons, eagles and owls.

The third session on Nov. 18 will be a field trip covering a variety of habitats in northern Colorado. The presentation will concentrate on how and where to observe birds of prey, field identification of birds and local areas and birds of interest. Participants must register for the previous classes to be eligible for the field trip.

The cost is $125 for all three sessions or $50 per person per session. Colorado State students are charged $50 for all three sessions or $20 per session. All fees help support the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Classes will be held at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Room A221, at 300 W. Drake Road.

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program began in 1979 as an effort by Colorado State veterinary students to treat birds of prey. Today, the RMRP is an organization that links community and university efforts dedicated to providing medical care and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

For additional information and to register for the sessions, call (970) 491-0398.