Bird of Prey Days 2023
2023 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 Migration Marvels. So many birds undergo amazing journeys each year, traveling to and from their breeding and wintering grounds. Learn about a variety of species that pass through Braddock Bay and beyond, as well as what researchers do to study them.
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 2023 Online Auction
COMING SOON!!
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 26 and close on May 3 at 9 pm.
BOP Days Auction Ends
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Friday, April 28, 2023
7:00pm - Birds on the Move! Migration at Braddock Bay
Learn how important Braddock Bay is for migrating birds, and marvel at the journeys birds take each year. This program will feature some of BBRR’s raptor ambassadors.
Presented by Daena Ford, president of BBRR and Andrea Patterson from Braddock Bay Bird Observatory
Seating is limited. Walk-ins are welcome but seating cannot be guaranteed. To ensure a spot, REGISTER NOW!
8:00 Sunset Walk and Owl Prowl
Join BBRR’s Jill Heimrich as she leads you through Braddock Bay Park as the sun sets, looking for critters that are active in the early evening, including owls!
No registration required. Meet at the lodge at Braddock Bay Park.
Saturday, April 29, 2023
8:00 am - Morning Bird Walk at Firehouse Woods - hosted by GVAS
Search a local hotspot for migrant birds with guides from the Genesee Valley Audubon Society.
Registration required through Genesee Valley Audubon Society HERE.
10:00am - Awesome Ospreys
An interactive program for kids and their families.
Presenter: Nick Hadad as The Incredible Hawk
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
10:30 am - Hawkwatch BINGO!
A great way for kids and families to learn about what’s spotted at the Braddock Bay hawkwatch! Win some great prizes!
11:00am - Owl Migration at Braddock Bay
Learn about the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Long-eared Owl that use the Owl Woods at Braddock Bay
Presenters: Jim Adams, Owl Roost Survey Coordinator, BBRR
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
12:00 pm - Kids' Craft: Owl Mask Workshop
Kids can make a fun owl mask and meet BBRR’s Great Horned Owl. All children must be accompanied by and adult.
1:00pm - Talk on the Wild Side with Hawk Creek - LIVE Bird Presentation
Meet 6 different species of raptors that reside at Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
2:30 - Owl Pellet Dissection & Discussion
Discover what’s inside owl pellets and learn about owl digestion and their role as predators in the environment.
Presenter: Alyssa Johnson, The Barehanded Naturalist
Additional registration fee. Limited Seating REGISTER HERE!
Sunday, April 30, 2023
10:00am - Help a Hawk
An interactive program for kids of all ages. Meet one of BBRR’s education hawks!
Presenter: Nick Hadad as The Incredible Hawk
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
10:00am - 2:00pm - Meet and Greet Live Raptors from Wolcottsville Wildlife
No registration required. Come visit throughout the day from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Presenter: Wolcottsville Wildlife
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: Daena Ford & David Brown, BBRR
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
11:30am - Captain Swoop's Migration Flight Academy
Learn about falcons and migration from Captain Swoop!
Presenter: Nick Hadad, from ROC Animal School as Captain Swoop
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
12:00pm - Rendering Raptors - sketching workshop
Get the opportunity to observe and sketch live raptors, with instruction from art teacher, Cindy Zauski. Appropriate for kids and adults.
Presenter: Cindy Zauski
Limited Seating – REGISTER HERE!
1:00pm - Hawkwatch BINGO!
A great way for kids and families to learn about what’s spotted at the Braddock Bay hawkwatch! Win some great prizes!
2:00 - The Red-tailed Hawk Project
The Red-tailed Hawk Project is a research collaboration focused on the ecology and evolution of one of North America’s most common and beloved raptors.
In this presentation, Bryce Robinson will outline the work of the Red-tailed Hawk Project, including the goals of the working group and their approach to data collection. Bryce will also share preliminary results from the project’s extensive tracking efforts to better understand movement in migratory populations.
Presenter: Bryce W. Robinson, Cornell Lab of Ornithology