This August, master falconer Matt “The Birdman” Lieberknecht is returning to Gamiing Nature Centre on Pigeon Lake for “Birds of Prey”, an interactive show on raptors for the entire family.
The two-hour demonstration takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10th on the centre’s 100-acre property between Emily Park and Bobcaygeon.
Raptors — which include hawks, eagles, falcons, kestrels, owls, and vultures — are birds of prey that hunt and feed on small animals like rodents and larger animals like squirrels and rabbits.
While many birds eat meat, raptors have three traits that distinguish them from other birds: they have curved beaks with sharp edges for tearing flash, they have sharp talons on their powerful feet for grasping and carrying off prey, and they have keen eyesight to detect prey at great distances.
Lieberknecht will bring owls, falcons, kestrels, and other raptors to the Gaming Nature Centre event. He will outline everything an aspiring falconer or birder might wish to learn about raptors, from the food he gives them (minced quail, bones and feathers included) to the equipment he uses.
Among other things, he will explain the importance of using the forearm as a perch and selecting the correct glove, and the significance of the thin strap of leather (known as a jess) around a captive raptor’s leg.
“The audience is sure to be impressed with master falconer Matt Lieberknecht,” says Gamiing executive director Mieke Schipper. “We are excited to welcome Matt back once again. He is truly fascinating to watch.”
Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 children and youth 16 years of age and under. A family pass (including two adults and up to three children) is also available for $25 until July 31st and $30 thereafter. You can get your tickets online now at Eventbrite.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Gamiing Nature Centre’s Nurturing Nature fundraising campaign.
Gamiing, an Ojibwa word meaning “at the shore”, is a charitable organization that receives no government funding. The centre relies on donations to operate its outdoor youth education programs, Wild at Heart Forest School, and nature workshops, and to conduct maintenance of public access trails on the property
For more information on Gamming and to donate, visit www.gamiing.org.
