Pfeiffer Nature Center Hosts Hawk Creek Wildlife Program Featuring Live Birds of Prey
Pfeiffer Nature Center Hosts Hawk Creek Wildlife Program Featuring Live Birds of Prey
Discover the fascinating world of raptors and wildlife rehabilitation during a special live animal presentation at Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville.
With warm, almost-summer weather upon us, nature lovers are likely enjoying the return of hummingbirds and colorful songbirds like the Baltimore Oriole and Rose-breasted Grosbeak to western New York. While these seasonal favorites are an anticipated sight, it’s the birds that may escape your notice that Pfeiffer Nature Center invites you to come and learn about.
On Thursday, June 18 at 5:00pm, Pfeiffer Nature Center, located at 1974 Lillibridge Road in Portville, is hosting a special program, “A Talk on the Wild Side,” with Hawk Creek Wildlife Center. This is an exciting opportunity to meet live animals such as birds of prey, and learn all about their unique behaviors and adaptation skills while supporting wildlife rehabilitation!
In this presentation, which is approximately one hour in length, guests can expect to meet five to six live animals, which may include birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, owls, or vultures, or even some of their prey, like skunks, opossums, and porcupines. Tickets are just $5 for children and $10 per adult; prospective guests are encouraged to pre-register online at www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org or bring cash on the day of the presentation.
All proceeds benefit wildlife rehabilitation, which is at the heart of Hawk Creek Wildlife Center’s mission. Since 1987, non-profit Hawk Creek has worked to provide engaging educational programs, support endangered species, and promote environmental stewardship. Located in East Aurora, Hawk Creek is one of the largest raptor centers in the eastern U.S. and is supported by generous donors, volunteers, and grants. “A Talk on the Wild Side” is geared toward those aged third grade through adults and is one of many great reasons to visit Pfeiffer Nature Center next week!
Just 45 minutes southeast of Ellicottville, Pfeiffer Nature Center has been welcoming visitors since it opened in 1998. The Lillibridge property (which is where “A Talk on the Wild Side” will be) is comprised of 188 acres and six miles of hiking trails, including a handicapped-accessible trail. Interestingly, it is home to one of the largest privately held and easily accessible tracts of old-growth forest in the region. Nearby, the Eshelman property, which became part of the nature center in 2002, consists of 488 acres and nearly four miles of trails through wetlands and secondary growth forest. This is a great spot for birders to explore, as many migratory species can be spotted in this beautiful area, which includes forest, wetlands, and mixed areas.
Both properties are open from dawn to dusk year-round, and there is no admission fee to the nature center. (Do note that “A Talk on the Wild Side” does require a paid ticket.) For more information on Pfeiffer Nature Center or to pre-register for the June 18 event, visit www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org.