Snake River Birds of Prey Sanctuary

We start the day by visiting the museum at the World Center of Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. We take the tour that we were told would last approximately 90 minutes, but ends up being 2 1/2 hours. Interesting place but tour is about 30 minutes too long for me. They tell us about their organization, including their work with returning the California Condor from the brink of extinction and their work with the historical preservation of falconry. They have a new exhibit that was entirely funded by the late Sheik Sayad of the United Arab republic. Apparently falconry is still a very popular sport in that country, especially among the upper class.

They also show us a peregrine falcon and explain some falconry techniques.

After the tour, we eat our picnic lunch in the truck (too cold outside) and then head out to the Snake River Bird of Prey Sanctuary. It's a large area in the Snake River area where the raptors are protected. We see some hawks and falcons, but we see many more prairie dogs!

Nice sunny day. Very nice change.