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Community Corner

Birds of Prey on Display for Photographers

Stillman Nature Center puts birds of prey on display outside of pens.

In the world of wildlife photography, there are professionals, who travel far and wide for the perfect nature shot, and there is everyone else. Both are invited to bring their cameras to Stillman Nature Center in South Barrington to photograph the center’s collection of raptors, (predatory birds) without braving the perils of tracking the sometimes-elusive birds in the wild.

The Raptors for Photographers event is open to anyone who is interested the opportunity to view the birds of prey without the obstruction of cages. 

“We take the birds out of the enclosures so you can take the photo without the wires between you and the camera,” Mark Spreyer, Stillman’s executive director said. “There is still education going on. It’s not just a photo shoot, anybody here is going to learn about the great-horned owl and where falcons nest in Chicago.” 

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Spreyer stresses that everyone should feel free to join in on Saturday, but there are other annual opportunities to see the raptors up close.

“We do three (raptor) programs a year,” Spreyer said. “In the spring and fall we do them for $5 a car and that is aimed at families and anyone who wants to get a good look at the birds.”

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Saturday’s Raptors for Photographer’s entrance fee is $10 per person.

 “I’m hoping that the photographers in particular will want to come out and take advantage of this,” Spreyer said. “We’ll most likely put the bird on a branch so it looks a little more natural.”

The Who’s Who of those expected to attend are the barn owl, the broad-winged hawk, the eastern screech owl, the peregrine falcon, the great horned owl, the red-shouldered hawk and the barred owl. All the birds have been injured and are unable to return to the wild.

“I call it raptor assisted listing,” said Spreyer.

The birds at Still Nature Center are familiar with meet and greets. Spreyer travels with his flock on a regular basis to schools, garden clubs, and wildlife conferences. “I do many raptor programs,” he said.

The Saturday will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

“Because it’s hot and because I’m trying to accommodate photographers,” Spreyer said. “The light’s a little less harsh.”

Because of the raptor’s wild nature and the expected heat, there is a chance that some bird’s may make no, or an abbreviated visit.

“Not all of the birds will be available at all times,” Spreyer said

To pre-register: Call 847-428-OWLS (6957), or email: stillnc@wildblue.net. Remember to include your name, phone number, and the number of people that will be attending.

If You Go:

  • What: Raptors for Photographers
  • Where: Stillman Nature Center, 33 West Penny Road, South Barrington
  • When: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23
  • Fee: $10/person
  • Visit: www.stillmannc.org for more information.
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