The Role of the Raptors

Master Falconer Jim Eyring captivated a large crowd with a display of live birds of prey at the Environmental Center—where he serves as assistant director—on Tuesday evening.

In addition to providing a thrilling demonstration, Eyring spoke about the function of the center and it's .

As the sun began to set, he introduced the audience to "Oscar," a large Barred owl, and explained the raptor's role in nature to the children and adults who lined a long split-rail fence to watch.

Eyring then brought out "Delta," a Lanner Falcon who flew to the top of the nearby barn until drawn into flight by a lure swung on a rope by Eyring as he explained the bird's technique for capturing fast moving prey. A startled coed yelped as Delta flew low over her head as she walked past the demonstration.

"Elvis," a Gyr falcon then also flew over the crowd—giving them a true sense of what makes falcons the fastest moving animals on the planet—as he swooped in repeatedly while Eyring swung the lure. Other birds included a screech owl and a Harris hawk.