Chelan County Fair: "Hunters of the Sky" program returns
Marsha Clute, Chelan County Expo Center
Aug. 02, 2011
The "HUNTERS OF THE SKY" educational program returns to the Chelan County Fair September 8-11.
The Sardis Raptor Center is the largest bird of prey center in the Pacific Northwest. It was founded in 1989 as a nonprofit organization by its present director, Sharon Wolters. It operated as a rehabilitation center for all species until 1995 when it began to specialize in birds of prey.
Presently, Sardis specializes in the rehabilitation of endangered and threatened species while continuing to provide emergency trauma care for all species of raptors. Sardis' primary goal is to release fully rehabilitated birds back into the wild.
The "Hunters of the Sky" education program offers information of the most magnificent birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, all trained to-the-glove. The program is hosted by top volunteer bird trainers and travels all over the State of Washington. Up to 10 resident birds, those that have injuries that prevent their return to the wild, are brought into the demonstration area while volunteers explain their natural history, species identification, roles of each raptor, environmental issues and much more.
A short side note: Last year the Raptor group stayed over in the RV Park before traveling to their next show. One day as I was leaving work I noticed a line of cars on Kimber Road next to the RV area. Upon driving there I saw all of the Raptors on perches under the big tree preening and all the people from the cars lined up along the fence admiring these magnificent "Hunters of the Sky".
Check out the Sardis Raptor Center website here.
All Sardis raptors are under special permit from the United State Fish and Wildlife Service.
This show is a MUST SEE during your visit to the Chelan County Fair in September!
