If we notice them at all, most of us know them as national symbols, mysterious winged silhouettes against the sky, or invisible agents of disappearances from the bird feeder. Occasionally, we might glimpse an ambush hunter perched on a highway lamppost. We’re so big we needn’t worry, but just about anything smaller than a house cat better keep one eye on the sky. Raptors, or birds of prey, are ferocious predators and very important members of any wildlife community.
Join Sue Cottrell of the non-profit organization Raptor Studies Northwest to learn about the 15 species of diurnal raptors that can be found in western WA, emphasizing field identification, and the particularly fascinating elements of winter behavior. She will also cover raptor terminology, migration, the daily and annual cycle, birding ethics, equipment, and bird ID guides and apps. Sue has studied raptors and guided outdoor trips for over 30 years, and has a vast knowledge of local populations.
A resident of Whatcom County, she is one of the lucky ones to say she has several “five falcon days”. She will share her current research and current photos of her latest projects working with Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels at the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society’s monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 17, at 7:00pm.
