Amber Rowe, and Bo, a red tailed hawk

PUTNAM LAKE - The Director of Wildlife at Green Chimneys Paul Kupchok summed up the day best: “It’s important to get children away from the television, video games and the computer to learn about nature.”

Hundreds of young and old alike converged on the Green Chimneys campus in Putnam Lake Sunday for the annual With Wings and a Prayer: Birds of Prey Day that featured more than 200 birds. Hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and vultures were on display while their owners answered a myriad of questions concerning feeding habits, living conditions and whether birds of prey make good pets.

Kupchok said if several children had been taught an important lesson: “We must care for Mother Earth before these boys and girls become adults that will lead to other wonderful environmental happenings for the future.”

Guests came from near and far. Pete Petrochilos of Garrison brought his year-old red tail hawk, Leo to the campus. “I come back each year because the people here are so inquisitive. They really appreciate my birds,” he said.

Geoff Ford from upstate Ravena attended with his bald owl Ollie that had been struck by a car: “We nursed the bird back to health and while he can’t be freed in the wild, Ollie makes a wonderful educational exhibit.”

Amber Rowe of Hyde Park brought her red tail, Bo. “His talons are very sharp and care must always be used when handling the bird,” she said.

Paul Miller of Mahopac was the talk of the town when he offered his Harris Hawk, Nero, a drink of water from his own water bottle. “Even a bird needs to wet his whistle on a warm day like today,” said Miller.