Bird of Prey Days 2026
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2026 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 BBRR celebrates its 40th anniversary! Our Bird of Prey Days events aim to enlighten and educate visitors about the ways we interact with raptors, and how we can work towards protecting them not only during migration seasons, but all year round.
The schedule is listed below. Some 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 2026 Online Auction
STARTING 4/15 AT 9:00 AM!!
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 15 at 9 am. The link below will become active then. Auction closes April 21 at 9 pm.
BOP Days Auction STARTS
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Friday, April 17, 2026 – 40th Anniversary Celebration!
40th Anniversary Celebration - 6:30-8:30 pm
Join BBRR in a celebration of 40 years, working towards raptor conservation and education in the community. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
6:30 pm – Enjoy refreshments and meet BBRR volunteers and ambassador raptors!
7:00 pm – TRIVIA time! Join us for a game on Kahoot and get a change to win great prizes!
7:30 pm – BBRR 40 Years: Conserving Raptors Above, Inspiring Communities Below – presentation by Daena Ford, BBRR president
Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:00 am - Owl Prowl
Join an experienced guide for this morning walk through the Owl Woods, and learn why this special place gets its name. Meet at the entrance to the trail of the Owl Woods on Manitou Beach Road. Registeration required. SIGN UP HERE
11:00 am - Raptor Banding Station Tour at the Owl Woods
Join a guided tour of the Mather raptor banding station, and see banding in action! Meet at the trail at the Owl Woods on Manitou Beach Road.
Directions HERE
11:00am-3:00pm Hawkwatch!
Visit the hawkwatch platform to see what’s flying and learn about the migration and other birds at Braddock Bay. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow from BBRR.
11:00am - Falconry Demonstration
Stay tuned for more information and how to reserve your spot!
12:30 pm - Hawkwatch BINGO!
A great way for kids and families to learn about what’s spotted at the Braddock Bay hawkwatch! Win some great prizes!
1:00 pm - Counting Red-tails: Summer Raptor Counts at Braddock Bay
Each summer, thousands of raptors, especially juvenile Red-tailed Hawks, migrate past Braddock Bay during natal dispersal. This is an event where the young of the year are moving about, dispersing from their nesting territories. Learn about these late summer counts and this unique movement of raptors at Braddock Bay. The count is run entirely by volunteers – learn how you can get involved counting “Red-tails” and other raptors!
Presenter: Daena Ford, president of BBRR
Seating is limited. Click here to RESERVE YOUR SPOT
2:00 pm - Tracking the Tags: An update on the sharp-shinned hawk project
3:00 pm - Under Moonlit Skies: A Journey into Owl Banding
This presentation explores when and how owl banding takes place, the techniques researchers use, and the valuable data collected to support research and conservation efforts. Learn about the owl species commonly encountered, how to identify them, and what banding reveals about their migration and behavior.
Presenter: Jill Heimrich, BBRR Vice President and licensed raptor bander
Seating is limited. RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE
7:30 pm - Owl Banding Experience at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory
REGISTRATION REQUIRED and limited to 30 people.
Location: Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, 10 Braddocks Ave, Hilton, NY 14468
Come learn about owl research, conservation, and the fascinating life of these elusive birds!
Join us for a hands-on Northern Saw-whet Owl banding demonstration, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how banders safely capture and study these small, nocturnal owls. We will begin by setting up fine mesh mist nets approximately 30 minutes after sunrise along established net lanes. These nearly invisible nets are used to gently and safely capture Northern Saw-whet Owls as they move through the area.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
10:00 am - Owl Prowl
Join an experienced guide for this morning walk through the Owl Woods, and learn why this special place gets its name. Meet at the entrance to the trail of the Owl Woods on Manitou Beach Road. Directions HERE
11:00am-3:00 pm Hawkwatch!
Visit the hawkwatch platform to see what’s flying and learn about the migration and other birds at Braddock Bay. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow from BBRR.
11:00 am - What's that Hawk? Raptor ID Workshop
Come get some identification pointers and visit the hawkwatch to put them to the test. Great for beginners, also fun for intermediately skilled watchers. This will take place outside. Bring binoculars or borrow from BBRR. Meet at the entrance to the lodge for Bird of Prey Days.
Presenter: Daena Ford, BBRR President
Space is limited. RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE.
12:00 pm - What Do Owls Eat? Owl Pellet Dissection
Have you ever examined an owl pellet? What is an owl pellet? Where does it come from? Are owls the only birds who make them? Now is your chance to get your questions answered! You’re invited to take part in a new program at the Braddock Bay Raptor Research Bird of Prey Days, a guided hands-on owl pellet dissection and discussion. This is a family-friendly program where everyone will have the opportunity to dissect their own owl pellet and learn how the owl’s digestive system works. You may find bones, fur, or feathers…get ready to use your sense of curiosity and nature detective skills as you reveal what’s hidden inside.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
12:00 pm - Raptor Banding Station Tour at the Owl Woods
Join a guided tour of the Mather raptor banding station, and see banding in action! Meet at the trail at the Owl Woods on Manitou Beach Road.
Directions HERE
1:00 pm - Wildlife Rehabilitation, Research & Education
WNY Raptor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation, education, and research. During WNY Raptor’s presentation, Bernie Clabeaux will share the mission of the nonprofit as well as successful rehabilitation stories, including those of orphaned barn owls, turkey vultures, hawks, and others. She will also discuss the current research projects of WNY Raptor. Afterwards, get a chance to meet two ambassador owls, a Barn Owl and Barred Owl! More information about WNY Raptor can be found on the organization’s website www.wnyraptor.com and Facebook page @wnyraptor and Instagram @wny_raptor.
Seating is limited for the presentation. RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE. There will be a short meet and greet after the presentation that will not require reservations.
2:30-4:00 pm - Meet and Greet Live Raptors from Messinger Woods
No registration required. Come visit the birds and chat with the volunteers from Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and Education Center.