Through its mission, Hawk Creek hopes to improve the lives of every individual who hears its message, bringing everyone into a better relationship with the natural world. While we can only care for each animal one at a time, we have increasingly emphasized the critical importance of public outreach and education in the effort to save our world's precious wildlife. Each individual we reach, like each animal we save, can have a positive and lasting effect on our local, regional, and global environment.

In this way, Hawk Creek has been and will continue to be a force of learning and growth in the community. Without an ecosystem, there is no future; without knowledge, humankind cannot protect its greatest asset: Earth.

To Book a Program:
Call (716)652-8646 or
e-Mail info@hawkcreek.org

Presentations are approximately 60 minutes long, which include a slide show, guest appearances by non-releasable wild mammals and birds of prey, with audience participation and a brief question and answer period. Classroom programs are up to 100 people. Discounts are available for multiple programs.

Making a Difference

Hawk Creek’s new program of character education shares with children the importance of responsible citizenship as stewards of our planet. Our story of volunteerism serves as the backdrop for a discussion of values. These up-close encounters with wildlife give us the opportunity to show examples of caring, respect, and responsibility in everyday people. This presentation empowers the audience and features three guest appearances by some of our wildlife ambassadors, raptors and mammals. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

               Silent Hunters                   of the Night

Discover owls of North America by sight and sound! See three elegant nighttime predators inches away as you learn the difference between the myth and reality of these silent hunters. This program spotlights owls and the features that make them unique among raptors. Ask about our owl pellet workshops to compliment this program! (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

Myths, Magic & Mystery    of Mammals

Mammals are known for baffling predators and prey by the use of unique adaptations. This program will look at the way these animals survive and dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding them. Each presentation includes three live mammals, a slide show, and touchable animal artifacts. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

Rare & Vanishing Species

All living organisms face the risk of extinction. This program helps students identify challenges that affect animals and humans living together in an ever shrinking habitat. We discuss topics such as the impact of DDT on eagles and peregrine falcons and how they recovered from extinction. Three rare visitors will join us by sharing their unique story and their vital role in our ecosystem. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

Tiny Talons

This innovative 30 minute program uses live birds of prey to help children discover their kinship with animals and nurture their curiosity for the natural world. Through hands-on experience, children learn what makes a raptor unique among birds. Each presentation includes storytelling, three small birds of prey, plus touchable animal artifacts. (Pre-k to 2nd grd. No slideshow, group only.)

Breeding The Flying Mousetrap

Hawk Creek began breeding barn owls in 1994 because of their extreme depopulation in WNY. This slide presentation explores the successes and challenges of breeding barn owls and ponders the impact and future of this project. A guest appearance will be made by one of our education barn owls. (3rd grd to adult. Available with or without slides; group or assembly.)

Amazing Adaptations

Why does the eagle have stronger feet than any other bird? Do porcupines really shoot their quills? How can a barn owl hear mice from half a mile away? Explore how animals use their adaptations to survive and compete in the wild. We bring live wildlife, touchable animal artifacts, and visuals to the table for a multifaceted presentation. Three live, wild animal ambassadors help tell the story. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

Talk on the Wild Side

This knowledge-charged presentation centers on the topic of raptor ecology. We answer the question, “what makes a raptor,” in the context of their remarkable traits and adaptations. Four live raptors will participate as examples for hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. These informational and engaging talks can highlight any raptor family of your interest. (3rd grd. to adult. No slideshow.)

          Guided Tours of             Hawk Creek

Imagine a private look at our Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird or at our country’s national symbol, the bald eagle! All tours will be led by one of our naturalists who will share natural histories and personal stories.  The tour is conducted outdoors on a gravel walk, so proper clothing and footwear are a must!  (Pre-k to adult. Groups up to 50 per tour, bus parking, no public bathroom facilities.)

Behind the Scenes:
The Trainer's Apprentice

Have you ever wondered how a prominent wildlife center works with its animals? Guests directly participate in avian training activities such as free-flying and behavior exercises. See from the inside in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what it means to be one of Hawk Creek’s professional naturalists and animal trainers. (All ages; small groups up to 6 only.)

Walk With the Eagles^®

Imagine America’s wild eagles coming into your life. We explore their natural history and uncertain future as members of the only two eagle species in our country visit your school, business, or event. This is an incredible opportunity to look an eagle in the eye and know North America’s most powerful avian predators. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)

Lord of the Wings

From Classical antiquity to Medieval times—immerse yourself in the rich history of man’s relationship with birds of prey. In this engaging show featuring live raptors, experience this connection through tales of the ancient art of falconry, learn the role that these great birds have played in our past, and understand why they have fascinated humankind for millennia. Features six live birds of prey. (All ages. No slideshow; assembly only.)

Environmental Heroes

Celebrate the struggles and accomplishments of the pioneers of modern conservation efforts such as Rachel Carson and Tom Cade from the Peregrine Fund. Learn why New York has been the leader in reintroduction programs for the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and North American barn owl through stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary changes against challenging odds. (All ages. No slideshow; assembly only.)

ASSEMBLIES

Hawk Creek can also be accommodating to large groups. The educational assembly would be a choice of either a slide presentation 1 - 4 and 6, previously described, or an assembly without a slide show and include additional non-releasable wild mammals and birds of prey.

EXHIBITS

Get up-close and personal in one-on-one discussions with Hawk Creek’s professional naturalists or walk up to observe our awe-inspiring birds of prey! An exhibit allows individuals to approach the presentation at will and ask questions with any level of detail, to be answered in person by our enthusiastic wildlife experts. These are ideal for showcases with rotating groups or kiosk presentations at school events, meetings, and fairs.

HARRY POTTER'S OWLS

Meet three of England’s fascinating owls firsthand and hear their myths and realities discussed in a half hour program with all the trimmings a Harry Potter fan could want. After reading about these owls and seeing them on screen, it’s a dream come true for a Harry Potter enthusiast! (3rd grd. to adult. No slideshow; group or birthday.)

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Bring something wild to this year’s birthday party! Three of our live wild animal ambassadors make guest appearances for both an educational and captivating presentation sure to thrill the kids. For an additional donation, we provide coloring pages for a coloring contest, three prizes for the contest winners, and a gift for the birthday child! (30 min. program, all ages.)

  Please call for program pricing and availability (716) 652-8646 or see our current fee schedule.  For more information on Hawk Creek's educational ambassadors, visit our resident animals page!