Text size – +

Raptors descend on Melrose

E-mail|Link|Comments () Posted July 14, 2009 09:22 AM

J%20Wood%20bald%20eagle%201.jpg
Jonathan Wood with one of his traveling birds, a bald eagle.

A flock of saber-beaked birds of prey including Hedwig, the snowy owl from the Harry Potter movies, will be winging it to Melrose this summer.

Master falconer Jonathan Wood will perch his spectacular raptors in the parking lot of Hunt’s Photo and Video, 100 Main Street, on Sunday, July 26 for a day of free, public demonstrations, education, and photo sessions with the charismatic fliers. The presentations will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The location is handicapped accessible.

Wood, a renowned wildlife educator, consultant, and Nikon pro-birding staff member, is the founder and president of Raptor Project, Inc., which trains and cares for the world’s largest traveling display of birds of prey. He tours the country with his wife, Susan, daughter, Rachel, and his collection of predatory birds, demonstrating each species’ unique characteristic while drawing legions of enthusiasts with his humorous, energetic and entertaining presentations.

The breathtaking beauties, which range in size from small falcons and owls weighing 2-3 ounces to majestic eagles with 7- and 8-foot wingspans, command respect and admiration from people of all ages.

At Hunt’s, Wood will introduce his celebrity snowy owl - Hedwig from the Harry Potter movies - as well as raptors from every habitat on earth. Each 45-minute show will provide a virtual expedition to far-away rainforests, prairies, deserts, wetlands, and wilderness destinations.

The Raptor Project will be accompanied at Hunt’s by the 5-Star Gitzo Summer Tour featuring great deals on all new Gitzo and Bogen Imaging products including the rugged Ocean Traveler tripod. Trade-in a Gitzo tripod or head that day to receive an instant rebate on the purchase of new Gitzo equipment and enter to win the valuable Ultimate Gitzo Accessory Pack.

Take your bird watching skills to a higher level with a new pair of powerful Nikon binoculars. Enjoy 10 percent off more than 20 pocket- to full-sized models, including the top-rated StabilEyes at Hunt’s. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

To find out more about this and other upcoming events at Hunt’s, visit www.huntsphotoandvideo.com or call 781-662-8822 or 800-221-1830.