Falconry Extravaganza
VALERIE REISS
10/10/2000
Maybe you’ll never satisfy that long-held desire to fly. But at the Urban Park Rangers’ Falconry Extravaganza, you can live vicariously through the pros: falcons, owls, vultures, eagles and other hawks.
In an airborne “Falcon Olympics,” area falconers will demonstrate their birds’ skill and speed. Educational talks on raptor swill include Mongolia’s ambassador speaking from an authentic yurt, on his country’s efforts to protect the Saker falcon. And the world’s only captive, free-flying Andean Condor will make a cameo appearance. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show.
For extra birding excitement, there’s the annual Central Park Hawk Watch, at Belvedere Castle (mid-park at 79th Street) 10am-4pm, Friday through Tuesday, till December. On a clear day with northwest winds, viewers may see thousands of broad-winged hawks. Or amble over to the model boat pond and watch red-tailed hawks come and go from their home on a Fifth Avenue apartment ledge.