Discovering Raptors

Raptors frequently evoke admiration because of their power, their eye-catching flight, and their noble bearing. They display a fascinating array of behaviors-some obviously instinctive, others clearly learned. But why do they act as they do? Helen Macdonald, in her memorable book H is for Hawk, demonstrates one way to get inside a raptor's mind: by keeping one captive. A falconer, as the falcon's hunting companion, has an unequaled opportunity to observe not only the raptor's behavior but also that of other birds of prey that are drawn to it with various intentions. For example, why would a Peregrine court a falcon of a different species a sixth of its own size? Or a Cooper's Hawk try four different strategies to reach a caged pigeon? Why do Merlins sometimes accompany harriers? The answers to these and many other questions are often surprising. Raptors have varied personalities, too, and different physical capabilities, all of which will be explored in this evening program, along with pointers for identification.

Speaker: Hans Peeters, Chabot College (Emeritus)