Have you ever wanted to sharpen your raptor identification skills? If so, this is the workshop for you! Raptor biologist Steve Hoffman will provide a detailed discussion of the identification and natural history information of all the diurnal raptor species (e.g., kites, harriers, hawks, eagles, falcons, etc.) regularly found in Arizona. Steve’s powerpoint-assisted presentation will include limited discussion of plumage variations (including color morphs, age and sex details, etc.). Helpful flight characteristics and/or behavioral clues will also be mentioned, as appropriate. Arizona’s “specialties” (e.g., Black Vulture, California Condor, White-tailed & Mississippi kites, Gray Hawk, Common Black Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, Harris’s Hawk and Crested Caracara) will be included. This presentation will be especially valuable for “beginner” and “intermediate” raptor enthusiasts.

Cost: $30

Speaker: Steve Hoffman Conservationist, Founder, HawkWatch International

Steve has devoted his entire 45-year career to wildlife conservation. After 10 years of government service (primarily as an Endangered Species Biologist for the US Fish & Wildlife Service in the American Southwest), in 1986 Steve founded HawkWatch International. He has authored more than 50 publications/manuscripts on raptor migration, ecology and conservation, and endangered species management. Steve continues to coordinate the local Bridger Raptor Migration Project (through Bozeman-based Sacajawea Audubon Society), and also runs his own nature-based tour company, Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC (headquartered in Bozeman). Steve has given dozens of public presentations on the identification, natural history, migration and conservation of North American raptors. He received his Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Utah State University (1979).

Location: Cottonwood Community Clubhouse

805 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival