Wesley and I decided to take a little road trip to see some raptors (the birds, not the dinos, lol)...
S.O.A.R. is this wonderful non-profit organization that dedicated to the welfare of Illinois's native birds of prey. The founder/directors of S.O.A.R. are licensed master falconers, rehabilitators, falcon breeders, raptor banders, and educators. They have NO paid staff or adminstrators, it is strictly volunteer! 100% of any donations goes to the care and rehabilitation of the birds. They bring birds for programs, and let me tell you, you'll most likely never see a bird of prey this close otherwise. I highly recommend attending one of their programs. Watch for them to be at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois in February.
S.O.A.R. was having a program at Dollinger Family Farm so we decided to check it out. After the program we walked around a bit and it was pretty neat. I'd like to go back next season for sure (as of the writing of this, today is the last day of the 2017 season). There is plenty to do and see for families, and it's spread out nicely, I never felt crowded even though it was busy (they had a trick or treat just before the bird program). I included links for both SOAR and the farm at the bottom of the page..
First to come out was Deshka. She's from Alaska and was found in the Deshka River. Here right wing was hurt and never healed properly, so she became a SOAR ambassador. She's absolutely beautiful... She is also much bigger than eagles you might see in the lower U.S.
I love to photograph her...
Next we have Bashful the turkey vulture, with Berni (The Executive Director and founder of SOAR, she also a Falconer). Sorry, I think he's cute. But he can be a bit stinky (I won't tell you that story, lol)
Then George (also a director of SOAR, as well as founder and falconer) brought out Dickens the owl. Dickens is a bit of a celebrity. He was in promotional posters for the first Harry Potter film!! (With a little digital enhancing, of course)
Dickens showing off a little...
Bashful didn't feel the need to show off, much.. He did take a couple of bows though, lol...
After the program, we wandered around and checked out a few things. I think we found Bubba's (my yorkie/poodle) soul mate in a young mini donkey...
S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors)
Dollinger Family Farm
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