Ancient art of falconry explored at Flagstaff Arboretum

FLAGSTAFF - The February Winter Hawk Walk is the first of two such presentations to be offered by The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Susan Ruble, raptor program coordinator at the Arboretum, will lead this program, which begins at 9:45 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14.

Participants will get the chance to work with licensed falconers and hawks, exploring the natural history of raptors. They will investigate the role these birds play in the environment and the environmental concerns facing them. Basics of the ancient sport of falconry will be covered. The guided excursion around the Arboretum gardens will present the opportunity to handle live birds of prey under close supervision.

The program will include an educational overview of raptors, a walk outdoors with hawks flying to participants' gloves, and numerous opportunities for photographing the birds. Refreshments are included. Groups are limited to eight or fewer participants. The second Hawk Walk is scheduled for Friday, March 14.

Special arrangements for a Hawk Walk can be made for a small group of four to eight people for weekday mornings in January, February or March. The per-participant fee is $45 for non-members of the Arboretum, and $35 for members. Payment in full must be made in advance. For more information or to register for the program, call (928) 774-1442, ext.110 or e-mail Rachel.Edelstein@nau.edu.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a 200-acre botanical garden, research center and nature preserve dedicated to educating the public about the plants of the Colorado Plateau. It is located four miles south of Route 66 on Woody Mountain Road in West Flagstaff.

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