Bird of Prey Days 2022

2022 Bird of Prey Days

Braddock Bay is home to one of the most spectacular spring raptor migrations in the country!  Join Braddock Bay Raptor Research in this annual event to learn about hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and others, and support our conservation efforts. 

There will be activities for ALL ages at BOP Days, both indoors and out—so come rain or shine! 

This year’s theme is Raptors to the Rescue.  Learn about these birds’ “super powers” and the special roles these birds play in protecting our ecosystems.

The schedule is listed below.  Many programs will require registration due to limited seating.  Registration links are now live! Check the schedule below or visit our Events Page.  We cannot wait to have you visit this year!

BOP Days 2022 Online Auction

NOW LIVE!!

Take part in BBRR’s Bird of Prey Days Online Auction and get a chance to win some awesome prizes while helping support the raptors and our programming.  Prizes include artwork, bird houses, gift baskets, raptor programs, and more!  The auction will start on April 20 and close on April 27 at 9 pm.

BOP Days Auction Ends

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Friday, April 22, 2022

7:00pm - LIVE Birds of Prey Presentation featuring BBRR's Raptor Ambassadors

Learn about some of our local raptor species and their awesome adaptations for being heroes of the environment.  Species being presented may include Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Merlin and Great Horned Owl.

Presenter: Daena Ford, President of Braddock Bay Raptor Research

Seating is limited.  Walk-ins are welcome but seating cannot be guaranteed.  To ensure a spot, REGISTER NOW!

Saturday, April 23, 2022

8:00 am - Morning Bird Walk at Braddock Bay

Explore the park and look for migrant and resident birds with guides from the Genesee Valley Audubon Society.

Registration required through Genesee Valley Audubon Society HERE.

 

10:00am - Owls: Silent Shadows

An interactive program for kids and their families.  Meet BBRR’s Great Horned Owl

Presenter: Nick Hadad as Oslo the Owl

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

10:00am - 2:00pm - Meet and Greet with Live Raptors

No registration needed.  Come visit throughout the day from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Presenter: Gary Zimmerman, Black Creek Wildlife Station

11:00am - Discovering Emerging Disease in Sharp-shinned Hawks

Learn about one of our smallest raptor species, the Sharp-shinned Hawk and a new disease discovered by BBRR banders that is affecting these migrant hawks . 

Presenters:  David Mathiason, PhD, BBRR raptor bander & Dr. Sara Childs-Sanford, wildlife veterinarian, Cornell University

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

12:30pm - Valiant Vultures: the Super Scavengers!

A great way for kids and families to learn about vultures, nature’s clean up crew!

Presenter: Nick Hadad, BBRR & ROC Animal School

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

1:00pm - Raptor Heroes - LIVE Bird Presentation

Presenter: Daena Ford, Braddock Bay Raptor Research

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

2:00 - Red-tailed Hawk Banding Research: Developing Nutritional Treatment for Hospitalized Red-tailed Hawks

Presenter:  Dr. Sara Childs-Sanford, wildlife veterinarian, Cornell University

Limited Seating  REGISTER HERE!

Sunday, April 24, 2022

10:00am - Incredible Hawks: Raptors to the Rescue!

An interactive program for kids of all ages. Meet one of BBRR’s education hawks!

Presenter: Nick Hadad, BBRR & ROC Animal School

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

10:00am - 2:00pm - Meet and Greet Live Raptors

No registration required.  Come visit throughout the day from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Presenter: Gary Zimmerman, Black Creek Wildlife Station

More Event Detail

10:30 am - Hawkwatching 101

Come get some identification pointers and visit the hawkwatch to put them to the test.  Great for beginners, also fun for intermediately skilled watchers.

Presenter: Josh Haas, Hawks on the Wing

 Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

11:30am - Colossal Condors: Back from the Brink!

Learn about these endangered yet amazing scavengers in this interactive program for kids and their families.

Presenter: Nick Hadad, BBRR & ROC Animal School 

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

12:00pm - The Rochester Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcons were reintroduced to Rochester 1994. Soon they started nesting. Since then their numbers have grown, adding to the population of Northeast North America.

Get an update on Rochester’s own wild Peregrine Falcons, and learn what it takes to be a falcon watcher.  

Presenter: June Summers, President of Genesee Valley Audubon Society

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

1:00pm - Native Plant Fairy Garden Workshop

Each registered child will receive their own fairly garden greenhouse kit to make on the spot, or take home with them. Kits include a recycled “greenhouse”, soil, moss, plants and all natural accessories for the fairies.  Create a mini garden home for pollinators and your favorite fairies.  

Bird of Prey Days program will take place at the Donald Schleiter Lodge at Braddock Bay Park, 199 East Manitou Road.  Pre-registration and payment of $15/kit is required. ($10/ea for two or more)  Seating is limited to 25 kids, with an adult present.  Please check in when you arrive.

Presenter: Carol Erb, Master Gardener and BBRR Educator

Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!

2:00 - Snowy Owl ROC Stars!
Tracking Upstate New York’s wintering snowy owls.  Learn about our winter snowy owl residents and life in the field studying them.   
Presenter:  Melissa Mance-Coniglio, artist, teacher and raptor bander for BBRR and Project SNOWstorm
Seating Limited:  REGISTER HERE!