Mountsberg "Raptor Encounter"

[Rob'in'To]

I love going to Mountsberg Conservation Area in Campbellville.  Always an interesting day of birding.  For those who have not been there, they have a Raptor Centre, which house some 30 or so unreleasable birds of prey.  At noon and 2pm on the weekends they have a Raptor Show in a large enclosure outdoors.  This summer they have started a new program called "Raptor Encounter".  So, for $35 (total price for 1 to 3 people included), you get a behind the scenes look at the centre, learn quite a bit on the care of the birds, some of the stories on why they are at Mountsberg and also have a more personal meeting with a couple.  It was awesome!  They do have it for larger groups, at an extra $5 per person; but a smaller group is much better.

[Moira]

I've been wanting to go there for some time.  Hope to make it work soon.

[Rob'in'To]

It's a bit of a drive from Oshawa, eh.  I hope the "Raptor Encounter" becomes a part of your trip.  I can't tell anyone how much it was worth it to my girlfriend and I that day.  The juvenile Bald Eagle, Pawgwa, sure is intimidating.  She looks much bigger than the adults they have there.  She is quite a character though and much like a child being very curious and in need of attention.

I learned the 2 male Snowy Owls came from African Lion Safari.  This is rather odd really when one thinks about it.

Another Snowy Owl came from the equivalent to a "puppy mill".  Someone breeding them on a farm as house pets.  The girl told us how sad of a state many of the birds were in, chained up about the property, and fed Canada Geese that the people shot (which the bullet fragments were still in the Geese and the Raptors ingested).

I have to think that all these sad stories do have happy endings with how the birds have ended up at Mountsberg, in the care of people who love/respect them.

[Moira]

I've heard of people going on photo shoots there - maybe only with groups?

[Rob'in'To]

I'm not sure on that one.  Possibly.

[lovetobird]

I've heard of people going on photo shoots there - maybe only with groups?

 You're probably thinking of workshops that Ray Barlow runs, you can checkout info at raymondbarlow.com, though I believe Ray just pays the center the same $35 a head and then sets up his own perches and you get to photography many raptors at point blank range in natural surroundings. I haven't been one of his workshops yet but have met him and he is a super friendly, highly skilled photographer and I hear nothing but praise from people who have taken his workshops.

Nathan

[Rob'in'To]

I joined his Facebook group page.  He does them at Mountsberg and the Muskoka Wildlife Centre.  Beautiful work from what he's shared.  I really would like to take one of his workshops but at $80 to $200 each, I don't know if I'd get the bang for my dollar with my little point and shoot Canon Power Shot (since that is all I have).

There was one at Mountsberg for $80 on Friday.  I almost signed up for it, but then would have to take a day off work.  So, while $80 is reasonable; but then I lose a day's wages on top.  I am on vacation soon and will see what else comes up.

[MEGHAN]

Hey Folks,

Anyone can do the private photo shoot at Mountsberg. It's $300 for 2 hours with the Birds. They supply the perches and ask you where you would like to be st up.
I was recently there with a great group that included a couple of people from the board.
Divided amoungst us it ended up costing $35 for each of us.  A great price to pay.  We were able to photograph a Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Easter Screech Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Broad-Winged Hawk, American Kestral (male and female) Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, and I requested a Turkey Vulture at the end. (Because I like them, if you are going to ask why   )
The less people who go as your group the more $$ it is, so get some good people together and book it!

  *** I would love to go again, so keep me in mind if you are looking for people to join the group***

[Rob'in'To]

Wow!  I wasn't aware of that MEGHAN.  Good to know.  I'd be into that sometime.  A group of 6 would be perfect...  $50 each.  That's definitely worth the two hours.

[Misty01]

I'd like to tag along on the mountsberg outing if another is being set up.
 Let me know! Crystal

[Moira]

I would go too.  We need two more

[Rob'in'To]

In the new year, I'd be clear to go for a Saturday or Sunday shoot.

[Moira]

I'm a weekend photographer/birder too, Saturday or Sunday would work well.

[MEGHAN]

I posted a few shots...not the greatest...but you'll get the idea of what kind of photos you will be able to get.

Meg

[MEGHAN]

Richard and his Wife are also interested.
I can give Mountsberg a call and see when they have a spots available and then I'll let people know and we'll figure it out from there.
This is going to be fun people!!  

Meghan