The barn will support an exciting new falconry program at Earthplace! Falconry is possibly the oldest sport in human history. Practiced for thousands of years, falconers train birds of prey to hunt for small game.

Birds of prey are natural, efficient hunters. With powerful talons and elite vision, they can flush and kill their quarry within seconds.

But one aspect of falconry that isn't often mentioned is that it is also a form of wildlife conservation. Statistics on first-year raptors are bleak; many juveniles do not survive their first winter. With only one season of hunting experience, finding enough prey to sustain them through the winter is challenging. They must also avoid predators like foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.

A licensed falconer can trap a juvenile bird in the fall; the young bird gains hunting experience and survives its first winter. When the bird is released back into the wild, it is better prepared to survive subsequent winters.

The Falconry at Earthplace honors this sport and its conservation, and will one day open to visitors for a one-of-a-kind, bird-on-the-glove experience.

• Cerena and Chatty are American bald eagles. Both have permanent wing injuries that prevent them from returning to the wild. Chatty lives up to her name and is often vocal, while Cerena tends to be more reserved.
• Marble and Moody are barred owls. Their distinctive facial discs funnel sound to their ears, allowing them to locate prey with exceptional precision. The two share a close bond and can often be seen perched quietly side by side.
• LadyBird and Duchess are Great-horned owls. The feather tufts on a Great Horned Owl’s head, called plumicorns, are not ears but may help with camouflage and communication. Duchess is often expressive and vocal, while LadyBird prefers a quieter presence.
• Freckle is a red-phase Eastern screech owl. Freckle fell from her nest as a baby and has a permanent foot injury. She may be pint-sized, but she is fierce!
• ET is a turkey vulture and has been at Earthplace since 2001.  Comfortable around people, ET thinks she's the boss of everyone!
• Harriet is a black vulture and has been at Earthplace since the year 2000. In the wild, black vultures often rely on turkey vultures to help locate food. Harriet is observant and independent.
• Talon and Artemis are red-tailed hawks with wing injuries that prevent release. Red-tailed Hawks are known for their exceptional eyesight, allowing them to spot small prey from high above. Artemis acts like the grand dame of the place, and Talon stays in her lane, unbothered.
• Edgar is a common raven who was found trapped in a chicken coop and sustained injuries that left him unable to fly. Ravens are highly intelligent and social birds. Edgar often vocalizes with the wild ravens who visit Earthplace.
• Usher is an American crow. Crows are known for their remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities. We fill his cage with puzzles and toys to keep him engaged and stimulated.