Canadian Raptor Conservancy

How many times when you have driven along Highway 401 or one of the other Ontario highways have you seen large birds soaring overhead or sitting high atop a tree? It is definitely a common sight! What kind of birds are they? Eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons? As often as Judi and I have experienced seeing these magnificent creatures, we had never seen them “Up Close and Personal”! That is, until we visited Ontario’s festivals and events! Our first “close encounter” was at the 2007 International Plowing Match held near Smith’s Falls. As we passed through the gate, we immediately noticed a large sign telling us that the Canadian Raptor Conservancy was there and that they were having a “Birds of Prey” demonstration. Judi and I walked over to their show area and stood watching and waiting with other onlookers. Finally the Conservancy Director, James Cowan, came into the roped off enclosure and started to tell us all about the Conservancy and its birds. After his introduction, James started the show off by bring out one of his birds. At one point he had one of the birds flying overhead and then encouraged it to land on someone’s head… MINE! This was a “close encounter” and it certainly was “PERSONAL”! Fortunately I was wearing a baseball cap so no damage was done to my “delicate” scalp! As the show progresses James talked about each bird, where they came from, what they ate and what they mean to us. He even told us that he was trying to promote the Red-tailed Hawk as Canada’s National Bird! Over the coursed of two years, Judi and I have seen James or his wife, Shauna, demonstrate these magnificent Birds of Prey several times. Each time we have been impressed with James and Shauna’s love and knowledge. Unfortunately, at least for the time being, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy Birds of Prey can only be seen at shows like the Plowing Match. I hope, some day, that James will open up a permanent location. In the meantime the Conservancy group will travel across Ontario and beyond, educating us all on how precious these Birds of Prey are and how they affect our Eco system and our world! And. Who knows, James’s campaign to have the Red-tailed Hawk become Canada’s National Bird may just succeed! “RED-TAILED HAWK FOREVER!” If you’d like to learn more about the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and their Birds of Prey, go to http://www.canadianraptorconservancy.com/.