Falco peregrinus

We had a wonderful visit to Bend's High Desert Museum and witnessed the exciting Raptors of the Desert Sky presentation. In a remote outdoor area on the Museum grounds, in a cordoned off area, visitors sat on low benches or on the ground. A variety of raptors and owls flew in individually, from several hundred yards away to this cordoned off area. The birds flew around and low over the assembled visitors to various perches on the perimeter to land where food has been placed by a staff person. In a few instances, the tail feathers of the birds grazed a person's head as they flew to a designated perch. A museum curator introduced each bird and provided a running commentary habitat, hunting strategy, place on endangered species list, and annual migration. It was the highlight of my visit to the museum.