Close Encounters with Birds of Prey at Jefferson

Would you like to see a real, live golden eagle, a peregrine falcon or, perhaps, a saw- whet owl? If so, join Durand-Hedden on Sunday, February 22 at 1:30 pm as Bill Streeter, director of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center of Milford, PA, presents Close Encounters with Birds of Prey. You’ll view six live raptors and spend a magical hour gaining a greater knowledge and appreciation of the remarkable raptors of the northeast, a number of which visit the yards and open spaces right here in Maplewood. Streeter, who has a BA in biology and an MS in zoology, will entertain, as well as educate, with the knowledge he has gained through over 30 years of studying and rehabilitating raptors, and through practicing the ancient art of falconry. Please note that the location of the lecture portion of the program will take place in the Jefferson School auditorium (518 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood) directly across the street from the Durand-Hedden House (523 Ridgewood Road.) The side door on the Virginia Road side of the School will open at 1:00 and the talk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Afterwards, light refreshments will be served at Durand-Hedden. The Country Store will be open until 5:00 p.m. continuing to offer hard-to-find books, toys, and posters that people have come to love, as well as some exciting new items. On February 22, the Store will feature photos of birds of prey by Maplewood artist Joy Yagid. An award-winning photographer, Yagid has been capturing images of the resident raptors at The Raptor Trust in Millington, New Jersey, for the last seven years. She hopes viewers will come away with a greater respect for raptors and the natural world we all inhabit. The exhibit The Maplewood Theater: Its Forgotten Saga will also be on view at the House. The event is free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, call 973-763-7712 or check out the Durand-Hedden House website www.durandhedden.org.