Jamaica Bay Raptorama Brings People to Birds of Prey

​Most people don’t realize it but raptors migrate in good numbers along the Rockaway peninsula this time of year. On Sunday, October 17 more than 120 people attended the Raptorama Festival, an annual event at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which celebrates the fall transit of birds of prey through the greater New York City area.

Bobby Horvath, a fireman who rescues and rehabilitates raptors and other wildlife, brought 20 disabled raptors to show them ‘up close and personal’ to the delight of children (of all ages) in the crowd. Attending birds included a Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Barn Owl, Kestrel, and Augie, the very tame and beautiful Eurasian Eagle Owl.

Volunteer Dennis Guiney and Littoral Society Northeast Chapter Director Don Riepe were on hand to talk to people about each raptor’s biology and behavior.

This special program was sponsored by NYC Audubon, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, National Park Service, and the American Littoral Society.

The next special wildlife program at the refuge will be a ‘Winter Waterfowl Workshop’ on Saturday, November 20th at 10 a.m. For more information and reservations call or text (917) 371-8577; e-mail: Don@Littoralsociety.org