WINTER RAPTOR FEST 2013!
Friends of the IBA’s Winter Raptor Fest supports our work to protect endangered Short-eared Owls and other at risk birds of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA).
VIEW WINTER RAPTOR FEST 2013
PHOTO GALLERIES!
March 23 & 24, Gallup Ridge Farm, Fort Edward, NY!
Meet the birds that depend on the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area, or IBA, for their survival and get a taste of the IBA experience! Fun and educational Live Bird of Prey programs and “Free-flight” demonstrations introduce you to the IBA’s native owls, hawks and falcons, including some of our most endangered species! Visit the Exhibitor Barn for a chance to see the raptors up close, take photos and ask questions.
Guided snowshoe walks to look for at-risk raptors and other wintering birds, an Owl Watch on Saturday evening, horse-drawn sleigh/wagon rides, make and take crafts for kids, food vendors and more round out this fun and exciting weekend where raptors rule! Fee.
Click to Learn how you can receive FREE Tickets and reserved seating at Winter Raptor Fest 2013 Live Bird of Prey programs…
Winter Raptor Fest is a “fun” and educational fundraiser to support Friends of the IBA efforts to protect endangered, threatened and at-risk birds of the Washington County Grasslands IBA and conserve their habitat.
“Art for the IBA” 3rd annual Art Show
co-sponsored by Friends of the IBA & Glens Falls Friends of Photography
Friends of the IBA’s 2013 Art Show returns bigger and better than ever! This annual fundraiser helps us protect Short-eared Owls and other at risk birds of the *IBA! Thanks to GlensFallsRegion.com we will be accepting online submissions of all media in two categories:
“Life in the IBA” & “Best of Winter Raptor Fest”
Thirty-five (35) winning entries will be juried into this terrific annual Art Show to be held from June 1st to June 30 at Oliva Vineyards, located in the heart of the IBA in Fort Edward! Artists and the public are invited to our “IBA Night Out” wine and cheese reception on Saturday June 8th, 5-9 p.m. at Oliva Vineyards www.OlivaVineyards.com
Artists juried into the show receive free tickets to the reception and chance to win free giveaways!
Prizes Awarded for 1st – 3rd and “Best Photo” in each category, including once in a lifetime
“RAPTOR ENCOUNTER” & “IBA EXPERIENCE!”
Deadline extended!! Online Submissions OPEN thru May 11th!
*The Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) is a 2000 acre grassland located in the towns of Fort Edward, Argyle & Kingsbury, New York. It is critical for the survival of Short-eared owls in New York State and provides important habitat for almost a dozen other threatened and at risk bird species.
for submissions & more info go directly to the Art Show page or Visit: www.ibafriends.org > Events > Art For the IBA OR Email: mohn1@verizon.net for more info
About the Washington County Grasslands IBA
The Washington County Grasslands IBA is critical to the survival of Short-eared Owls in New York State. It also supports nearly a dozen other threatened, at-risk and rapidly declining grassland bird species, including Northern Harriers, Upland Sandpipers, American Kestrels, Eastern Meadowlarks and Grasshopper Sparrows more…
Birds-at-Risk
Short-eared Owls are one of the few owl species active during daylight hours. In winter, they often gather in small flocks around dusk, swooping over and under each other and exchanging sharp, yip-like cries before flying off to hunt.
Short-eared Owls nest and roost on the ground, but you can often find them roosting on fence posts or hay bales on their wintering grounds in the IBA. Look for these endearing owls early to mid-morning or late afternoons, especially on overcast days. Keep a respectful distance and you’ll be rewarded with great views and photo ops, as well as an experience you’ll always treasure!
Status: Endangered
Northern Harriers Like the Short-eareds, these slender raptors hunt on the wing, coursing low over the contours of the land – at times just a few feet above the ground. They can cover over 100 miles a day in their search for the mice and voles that are their usual prey! The beautiful grey plumage and clean white underside of the male has earned him the nickname “Grey Ghost.”
Both the male and the larger mottled brown female sport an owl-like facial disk of feathers and a prominent white rump patch. Unlike most raptors these birds nest on the ground, making them more vulnerable to human disturbance and predators. Several pairs are known to breed and winter in the Washington County Grasslands IBA.
Status: Threatened
View other threatened and at-risk birds that breed in the Washington County Grasslands IBA.
Visit Friends of the IBA’s new website to learn more about us, the birds and this unique habitat…
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Friends of the IBA Event Highlights for 2012:
RAPTOR RAPTURE 2012
New York State Museum, Albany - November 17
Owl pellet dissection, Owl Jeopardy and Owl crafts were a few of the activities on offer for nearly 3500 kids of all ages at the New York State Museum on November 17. Visitors met a variety of owls, hawks, and falcons along the way as they followed our birding trail to learn about some of New York State’s most endangered birds and their habitats! Live Bird of Prey and other presentations in the Carol Huxley Theater provided more information about these magnificent raptors and the habitats they depend on for their survival... more…
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We’d like to offer a special thanks to Mannix Marketing’s Jamie Clechenko for the terrific Winter Raptor Fest logo featured in the header above and Adirondack.net’s Destiny Malone and photographer Gordon Ellmers for the great new Friends of the IBA logo!
Friends of the Washington County Grasslands IBA is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of and protection for endangered and at-risk birds of the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area. We will continue to with other nonprofits, local businesses and the community to promote tourism to the region as we work toward our goal of conserving this unique IBA and establishing a Nature Center. Events like Winter Raptor Fest provide fun and educational opportunities for youth and adults to see and learn about the IBA’s birds and their habitat.
Presented, organized and founded by:
Thanks to our leading Sponsor:
and local tourism associations:
photos courtesy Connie Bush
