Sept. 21 Floating Classroom focused on raptors found along our river, the value of conservation efforts

More than 60 people participated in the Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, Floating Classroom session aboard the Hiawatha Paddleboat focused on the theme of "Raptors on the River."

Falconer Mike Dupuy offered programming on the upper level of the Hiawatha, focusing mainly on hawk and owl species using a few live birds. Meanwhile, on the lower level, Riverkeeper John Zaktansky presented information on bald eagles and ospreys.

Both sessions focused on identification and various trends and behaviors, but also on the conservation of our raptors, including the important comeback story of the bald eagle after a variety of factors -- including the pesticide DDT -- almost wiped out the species.

Below is a look back at the session with a short video and photo gallery.