BLM, IDFG present 'Remarkable Raptors!'

While songbirds may steal the show in spring with their musical messages and their showy colorful feathers, raptors are a resourceful and inspiring group of birds that can be seen year round in North Idaho.

This group of birds includes hawks, eagles, falcons, vultures, osprey, harriers and kites. Raptors are distinguished by their long talons, exceptional vision and hooked beaks.

These characteristics help them to capture and consume their prey. Prey species vary from grasshoppers, which the tiny kestrel favors, to young bighorn sheep, which a golden eagle may bring down. Raptors fulfill many ecological roles that benefit humans. Some, like the turkey vulture, act as janitors cleaning up carrion from our road sides and fields.

Others, such as red-tailed hawks and barn owls, cover our pest control needs both day and night.

So you may be wondering how you can learn more and experience raptors up close but stay close to home? The Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game invite you to spend an evening with our "Remarkable Raptors!" on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Beginning at 6:15 p.m., special guest speakers and raptors from the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center will be at BLM's Blackwell Island Boat Launch for an evening presentation about raptors. Live owls, falcons and hawks as well as mounted specimens of several raptor species will be available for viewing.

Following the presentation, s'mores will accompany a question and answer session with the guest speakers. This is a great family event and we hope to see you there. Please bring blankets and chairs to sit on and prepare for a unique and informative evening!

The Blackwell Island Boat Launch Park is located on Highway 95 south of Coeur d'Alene, just across the Spokane River Bridge on the right hand side of the highway.

In the event of rainy weather, this outdoor program will be cancelled.

Information: Carrie Hugo (208) 769-5048, or Beth Paragamian (208) 699-7724