Birds of prey days

Last Saturday we went to Boise's parks and recreation office to see a free birds of prey exhibit that Jeff had heard about advertised on the radio. Boise area has one of the largest migration paths of birds in the western hemisphere. From what we understand the birds migrate right over a mountain in an area called Lucky Peak. With having so many migrating birds in the area the World Center for Birds of Prey set up shop in Boise. They have a really nice facility up in the hills which includes a breeding center for endangered species, an education center as well as a library of archives. We have gone up there a number of times for events. This particular event that we attended was where they also hold Boise Shakespeare Festival during the summer months. At the event they had a number of live birds and their falconer trainers as well as exhibits to learn about the birds. It was really cool for Bay to see all the live birds.
Short eared owl. These guys are desert dwelling species. Red Tailed Hawk. This Particular one is the western variety. Also known in the west as the chicken hawk. They are easily spotted along roadsides in the western us. Americal Kestrel one of the most common small falcons. These are slightly larger than a Robin and you can see them most anywhere along roadsides. Gyr falcon. I don't know much about this bird but it was so beautiful. Great Horned Owl. One of my favorites. My parents have these in their back yard. I love going home and opening the window and hearing them screech and hoot all night when we are there. Bay holding a preserved eagle foot with talons intact. The talons are so sharp. I guess that foot alone has 1700 pounds of crushing pressure.
Bay and daddy checking out the eagle wings. They are so lightweight.
Last but not least the hybrid bird. This bird is half Peregrine falcon half Gyr falcon. The peregrine is the fasted species on earth. When they dive for their prey they have been clocked at flight speeds over over 200 miles an hour. The Peregrine falcon is also Idaho's state bird.