This Weekend - World Eagle Day 2014!

This Weekend –World Eagle Day 2014!

During the month of March the Bald Eagles wintering in our area start to fly back to the north, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see eagles until next winter.  Join us this Sunday, March 16^th, 2014 as World Bird Sanctuary celebrates eagles from around the world!

You’ll meet eagles from North America, Africa, Australia and Europe.  Kids will enjoy fun, free crafts and activities.  Learn all about eagles through naturalist talks and free-flight shows featuring live flying eagles.  Get up close and personal and have your photo taken with a real Bald Eagle!

Bald Eagle in flight at World Bird Sanctuary.

Photo: (c) Sandra Lowe

New in 2014!  

We welcome special guests Bill Volker and Troy from Sia – The Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornotholigical Initiative.  They will be conducting presentations about the unique importance of eagles to Comanche culture.

Mariah, Golden Eagle at World Bird Sanctuary.

Learn about the importance of Golden Eagles in Comanche Culture at World Eagle Day 2014

Photo: Gay Schroer

All this, and more, is made possible by Ameren Missouri, who are sponsoring our “Fun in Flight” 2014 series.

•      Meet vultures from North America, South America and Africa!
•      Meet Dorothy, a live Andean Condor!
•      Free-flight shows featuring live flying vultures!
•      Free fun kids activity center.
•      Gifts and souvenirs on sale.

 Date: Sunday, March 16^th, 2013

Time: 10am – 4pm

Admission & Parking: FREE!

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri.

Join us as we wave winter goodbye, and welcome the Spring, at World Bird Sanctuary’s World Eagle Day 2014!

Submitted by:
Catherine Redfern, World Bird Sanctuary

Coming Soon - World Eagle Day 2014!

Coming Soon –World Eagle Day 2014!

During the month of March the Bald Eagles wintering in our area start to fly back to the north, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see eagles until next winter.  Join us on Sunday, March 16^th, 2014 as World Bird Sanctuary celebrates eagles from around the world!

You’ll meet eagles from North America, Africa, Australia and Europe.  Kids will enjoy fun, free crafts and activities.  Learn all about eagles through naturalist talks and free-flight shows featuring live flying eagles.  Get up close and personal and have your photo taken with a real Bald Eagle!

Bald Eagle in flight at World Bird Sanctuary.

Photo: (c) Sandra Lowe

New in 2014!  

We welcome special guests Bill Volker and Troy from Sia – The Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornotholigical Initiative.  They will be conducting presentations about the unique importance of eagles to Comanche culture.

Mariah, Golden Eagle at World Bird Sanctuary.

Learn about the importance of Golden Eagles in Comanche Culture at World Eagle Day 2014

Photo: Gay Schroer

All this, and more, is made possible by Ameren Missouri, who are sponsoring our “Fun in Flight” 2014 series.

•      Meet vultures from North America, South America and Africa!
•      Meet Dorothy, a live Andean Condor!
•      Free-flight shows featuring live flying vultures!
•      Free fun kids activity center.
•      Gifts and souvenirs on sale.

 Date: Sunday, March 16^th, 2013

Time: 10am – 4pm

Admission & Parking: FREE!

Sponsored by Ameren Missouri.

Join us as we wave winter goodbye, and welcome the Spring, at World Bird Sanctuary’s World Eagle Day 2014!

Submitted by:

Catherine Redfern, World Bird Sanctuary

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - JUNE 5, 2010

Come out to the World Bird Sanctuary this coming Saturday, June 5, 2010 and help us celebrate National Trails Day.

This is a fun event for the whole family, with trails of differing lengths for all levels of hiking.

*            Our Hickory Trail is 1.5 mile long with hilly terrain, and will take approximately 45 minutes.

*            We have a new trail that is not even named yet.  This trail is slightly less than 1 mile, with hilly terrain, and will take approximately 30 minutes.  We will be accepting naming suggestions for this newest trail.

*            For those of you who are already experienced hikers and want a bit more of a challenge, there is the Castlewood Loop Trail.  From your starting point at the World Bird Sanctuary the entire loop is 6.5 miles long, and will take approximately 2.5 hours to navigate.  This trail is mostly flat terrain.

There's no telling what you might see along one of our trails.  Naturalists will be available along the trails to do nature interpretations or answer questions.  

A snack station will be available at the World Bird Sanctuary starting point, with snacks and beverages available for purchase by participants.  There are no water stations once you get onto the trails, so be sure to bring plenty of beverages to keep hydrated.

There will also be volunteers available to help out or introduce you to orienteering.

Bring your cameras for a very special event—a Photo Scavenger Hunt!  There will be a prize drawing for participants who complete the Scavenger Hunt!

Be sure to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes as trails are not paved.

DEPARTURE POINT:  The World Bird Sanctuary

EVENT HOURS:  9 am – 1 pm

NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

ADMISSION:  FREE!

Subitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer

The Raptor Project

Looking for something different to do this summer?

Come join us for the first in our Birds in Concert series for 2009. IT'S FREE!!

On Thursday, August 6, we kick off our Birds in Concert series with our own talented Raptor Project.



They will perform old favorites, such as "Don't Be a DoDo" and "A Turkey Named Fred". These are only two of the songs featured on their popular children's CD, "Save The Future".


The children in the audience become part of the act when they are invited to join the DoDo Bird on stage or decide to do an impromptu dance.




Some of the songs are accompanied by the silent
flight of our birds, who swoop over the heads of the audience.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, August 6. Bring your lawn chairs if you like. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

For the safety of our guests and our birds, we ask that you bring no pets please.

Coming Soon!!!

Mark your calendars!!!

It's almost time for the start of our yearly FREE "Birds in Concert" series.  That's right--I said FREE!  

Come join us every Thursday evening in August for live entertainment by local entertainers, and flight performances by our stars--the birds!! 

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Performers will be our own Raptor Project, featuring environmental, family, folk and rock music while our birds soar overhead.  

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Features the very popular funk and flamenco stylings of Javier Mendoza.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Babaloo will have the kids, as well as the adults, joining in with his hilarious antics.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Bluegrass fans will love the ever popular toe tapping music of the Tyson Valley Ramblers. 

At intermission meet one of our talented Ravens who has learned to accept donations directly from the hands of audience members!

Get a really close-up look at our nation's symbol.

Mark your calendars--every Thursday in August.  Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information contact us at:  

(636) 225-4390

-or-

 education@worldbirdsanctuary.org

It Was a Success!

Fete du Feather was a resounding sucess!!

After almost two years of planning and preparation, our bi-annual fundraiser has come and gone.  Our thanks go out to all those who helped to make it possible -- our staff, volunteers, those generous individuals who contributed the merchandise, trips, etc., and those of you who turned out to party with us.  

  

The evening started out with cocktails, and a chance to meet some of our resident critters--such as Scoop our White Pelican--while browsing the many items available in our silent auction.

Food was available throughout the "fairgrounds" for who those who wished to browse while eating.  Seating was available for those guests who preferred to sit while enjoying the delicious food.

There were "country fair" type games, as well as a pie eating contest, and the ever popular chicken races.

Items available in our silent auction included a wine basket, jewelry, a dollhouse, handcrafted poker table, artwork, handcrafted duck calls, a fishing rod combo, and a multitude of other items too numerous to mention.

The live auction portion of the evening saw items ranging from a crate of oranges to a six day stay in a private home in Montana.  

Fete du Feather is the only "Open to the Public" event for which there is an admission charge.  Other events, such as Open House and our Summer Concerts are free to the public.

Since our organization is funded strictly by grants and donations--we receive no Federal or State funding--this evening, coupled with other fundraising venues, is very important to us.

  

So to all of you who turned out to support us for this event, our staff, interns and volunteers want to give a resounding THANK YOU!

IT'S COMING!!

COMING MAY 9, 2007!

 

FETE DU FEATHER

The date is getting closer and we are still seeking donated items for our big event!

Donations for past events have ranged from a basket of makeup and beauty products, to jewelry, artwork, antiques, family photo sittings, all the way up to large ticket items such as antique cars and "Getaway Vacations"!  Here are a few photos of some of the items donated for our 2007 auction.

No item is too small or too large!

The theme for this year's event is "Old Time Country Fair", so we would dearly love to find someone generous enough to donate a quilt (throw size or larger) to follow through on this theme.  

Some items will be featured in our silent auctions, while some of the larger items will be featured in our live auction.  If you use your imagination and "think outside the box" most people will realize they have some item or service that they could donate.  To make a donation, contact Teri Schroer or Cathy Spahn at 636-225-4390, Ext. 0.

Our guests come from all walks of life, so if you are not already on our mailing 

list, and would like to receive an invitation to this special event, please call the above number.  In addition to the auction there will be food, entertainment, and guest celebrities!  COME JOIN US ON MAY 9 FOR AN EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT!

Even if you, yourself, have nothing to donate, please pass this website along to those on your email list.  They may have just the perfect item that they would like to donate somewhere, and would love to have the tax deduction.  All profits from this event go to feed, house and care for our birds.

The World Bird Sanctuary is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Thanks To All!!

Thanks to all of our wonderful supporters for 

making World Eagle Day 2009 a resounding 

success!

The weather was gorgeous!!  And our long time supporters, and many new friends, turned out in record numbers for this popular annual event.  

Guests lined up in record numbers to have their photos taken with our majestic bald eagle, Patriot.  

The children joined in the festivities by building a life size eagle's nest, had their faces painted, and learned how to make Origami creatures to take home.

Guests watched live freeflight presentations featuring our stars, the birds, and were treated to a rare flight demonstration by one of our bald eagles.

We also saw an unprecedented number of camera enthusiasts who took advantage of this rare opportunity to get close-up photos of some of our magnificent raptors.  

Many of our guests stopped by the sponsorship booth to chat with one of our naturalists, look through our Adopt A Bird book, and meet our lovable little Eastern Screech Owl, Twig.

All in all, it appears that a good time was had by all.

If you missed this year's event, mark your calendars for the third Sunday in March for next year.  We'll be there to do it all over again with some of your old favorite activities, and a number of new features. 

Join Us on Sunday, March 15th!!

Eagles Here, Eagles There, Eagles Everywhere!!!

It's Here!  The World Bird Sanctuary's annual harbinger of Spring -- WORLD EAGLE DAY!

Every year, on the third Sunday of March, The World Bird Sanctuary hosts what is unquestionably one of the most popular events in the St. Louis area.  World Eagle Day is an opportunity to get out of the house, into the outdoors, and get an up close look at some of the most majestic birds in the world. 

 

Start out the day by having your photo taken with one of our majestic bald eagles.  The photo will be ready for you to pick up on your way out.  (Nominal charge for this service.)

Eat a hot dog and other goodies purchased from our Peregrine Cafe, while strolling our grounds.  There will be a craft area and face painting for the kids.  Meet our naturalists who will share with you amazing facts about these magnificent birds.   

 

Join us in our amphitheater for freeflight demonstrations by our stars, the birds.  Browse our gift shop for merchandise featuring eagles, eagles, eagles.  See our hospital where injured birds are treated and readied for release back into the wild.  

Mark your calendar:

Sunday, March 15

10 am - 4 pm

ADMISSION IS FREE

 

World Eagle Day

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 15th!!

Here in Missouri it could be cold and blustery, or it could be warm enough for summer gear.  Whatever the weather, our friends, supporters, and casual guests don't seem to care!  It's the day they come out to see eagles from around the world at the World Bird Sanctuary.  

This popular event features our country's symbol, the bald eagle, up close and personal, as well as the Golden Eagle, our other native species.  Visitors will also see other eagle species from around the world that most would never otherwise have the opportunity to view.

One very popular feature at this event is the opportunity for guests to have their photo taken with one of our magnificent bald eagles, as you can see from the photos.  

There will also be informative and entertaining presentations by our naturalists about the different eagles found in other parts of the world.  Entertainment might include, but not be limited to -- sing-alongs, story telling, face painting, plus many other activities not listed.  

So, take this opportunity to escape the winter doldrums.  Come visit with us on March 15.  Be prepared to stroll our grounds, meet our naturalists, and have your questions answered.

Don't forget your camera! As you can see from this photo, some of our guests REALLY come prepared!

Many of our guests on this day are Scout Troops fulfilling some of the requirements for their badges and having their photo taken with a real live American Bald Eagle!

DON'T FORGET:

WORLD EAGLE DAY

Sunday, March 15

10 am - 4 pm

Admission is FREE!

How They Grow - Eurasian Eagle Owls

Let us introduce you to the largest owl in the world - the Eurasian Eagle Owl!   This species is indigenous to Europe, Asia and North Africa.

These little 11 day old hatchlings don't look so fierce do they?  However, when fully grown they are capable of capturing prey as large as a roe deer fawn.

Follow along with us as we track their development over their first ninety days.

At 14 days the first hatchling is becoming more alert and attuned to his surroundings.  

They're still sweet and cuddly though--right?

At 17 days, even though they're still cute and fluffy, we sometimes see a glimpse of the mischievous little predator hiding behind the fluff.

At 34 days are these innocent little stares hiding a bundle of mischief?

At 45 days - beginning to get his "big boy" feathers, and practicing his perching techniques. 

In the wild he would be getting ready to fledge the nest during the next week or two, although the parents may continue to care for him for as long as 140 to 168 days.

At 62 days we begin to see the natural hunting instinct that prompts them to pounce on anything that moves--or doesn't!  Here we see him practicing his mouse killing technique by pouncing on a twig

At 77 days he's beginning to resemble the adult of his species, and in the wild would be honing his hunting techniques, while still being cared for by his parents.  At this stage most of his swoops and pounces would probably be near misses.

At 83 days, he's almost fully feathered and full of mischief, but still trying to pull the innocent act.

In the wild he would be attempting to hunt and catch prey, which might include insects, small rodents, and small birds, as well as medium sized birds and mammals like opossums, hares, foxes, ducks, quail and pheasant.  If he lived in a coastal area he might feed mainly on ducks and seabirds.  Mom and dad would still be feeding him while he is refining his hunting techniques.

By 140 to 170 days old he will have perfected his hunting skills well enough that his parents will have stopped supporting him, and he will be on his own.

Once he has grown all of his adult plumage and reached full adulthood he will be as impressive as our resident Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bogart, pictured here.  

To fully appreciate the size difference between the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the other species of owls with which you may be more familiar, come join us for one of our Owl Prowls.  

Only 4 Owl Prowls remaining: 2/20 & 21, and 2/27 & 28

For Reservations Call:  636-225-4390, Ext. 0