Avian Adventures

For a town of about 150 people, Edison sure knows how to have a good party! Today was the first day of the 3rd annual Edison Bird Festival, which focuses on the "art, conservation, and fascination of birds," according to the event's website in the link above.

The Fowl Roller Skating Race, featuring contestants of all ages, attire choices, and skating experience, was the first major event this morning. That was followed by the "Be the Chicken!" Chicken Parade, which was so exciting that this entrant fell asleep afterward. Fortunately, the chicken driving a vintage car down the town's main street after the race did not succumb to the same drowsiness.

Among the plethora of interesting activities offered today was a live raptor educational presentation, which Phil and I really enjoyed. It was presented by Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, which provides rescue, rehabilitation, and release for injured wildlife in the Puget Sound region south of us. Some of the raptors (birds of prey) whose injuries do not permit them to be released back to the wild after care may become permanent residents of the center, and volunteers learn to handle them for educational presentations like the one we saw today.

The program was given in the local school, and we were in seats near the back of the auditorium, but could not resist taking photos of these five fascinating local birds. They included Freedom, a Bald Eagle (average weight about 10 pounds/4.5 kilograms, average wingspan about 6-1/2 feet/2 meters); a Golden Eagle, similar in size, which I photographed with her wings extended (this eagle has a malformed beak, which is why she cannot be released); a Red-Tailed Hawk; a Barn Owl; and my favorite, a Peregrine Falcon , who had a lot to say during her part of the program. (You can read more about these birds and others in the link in the paragraph above.)

We also enjoyed the sunshine and some tasty treats, and saw some beautiful art and handmade furniture at the Smith & Vallee in Edison -- all in all, a wonderful day out!

(Don't miss Phil's delightful photo for today!)