Explore the Habits and Habitats of Birds of Prey in Raptor Classes this November

Birds of prey will be the focus of a series of classes on three Saturdays in November, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center and the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Watchable Wildlife Program. Judy Scherpelz, director of the Raptor Program at Colorado State University, will teach the classes, scheduled from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 2, 9, and 16.

"Participants learn so much in these classes. They learn not just about the habits and beauty of these birds of prey, but also how to observe and appreciate our unique environment here in Northern Colorado," said Scherpelz. "We’ve had several repeat students. Some people give the classes as an early holiday gift. People come away from these classes with a new way of looking at their surroundings."

The first session on Nov. 2 will address "Why Birds are Cool," an examination of how birds work and why they do what they do through lectures and demonstrations on the anatomy and physiology of birds of prey, courtship and breeding, population trends, migration and environmental issues.

Session Two on Nov. 9 will answer "What WAS that Bird?" The session will look at individual species habits and identification of hawks, falcons, eagles and owls, using slides and live bird demonstrations.

Session Three on Nov. 16, "Hey! I Saw an Eagle!" 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 areas of interest. Participants must register for the previous classes to be eligible for the field trip.

The cost is $50 per person per session or $125 for all three sessions. All fees help support the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. The classes will be held at Colorado State’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Room A221, 300 W. Drake Road in Fort Collins.

For additional information or to register, call (970) 491-0398 or visit the program’s Web site at www.fortnet.org/RMRP.