Eagle Fest 2008

Pierre Bradshaw

Eagle Fest is privileged to have great exhibitors each year from around the State of Texas.  This year is no exception. 

On the Wing Again 

On The Wing Again will be appearing for their twelfth visit to the Eagle Fest.  This group is a wild bird rehabilitation organization who presents educational programs for schools, civic organizations, private functions, and community festivals. Over 590,000 people had the opportunity to meet the birds and hear their stories, and, as they enjoyed their beauty, to learn how best to save their habitat and protect them forever.

A typical program presents seven or eight birds which include a Red Tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, and a Black Vulture. The birds are presented in a walk-by exhibit where they set the birds on perches in a fenced-off area while the volunteers give brief descriptions and answer questions from the people as they pass by.  They desire visitors see some of their native birds and learn about their natural history and their place in the environment.

They are a non-profit organization from Ferris, staffed by volunteers, with all the proceeds going to the rehabilitation of wild birds and the education of the public, so they strive for a balance between the needs of the birds and their goal to educate as many as possible. 

View Photo Gallery of Previous Years.

Last Chance Forever

Making their seventh appearance at Eagle Fest 2007 is Last Chance Forever from San Antonio.

L. C. F. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured and orphaned raptors, birds of prey such as hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures. Since it's incorporation in 1978, Last Chance Forever has been responsible for treating thousands of birds of prey, including endangered species. Generally up to 80% of those cases received are released back to their natural home, the wild!

Although they are not the only conservation or environmental organization in the United States, they are part of a small group which actually gives service to the birds in the form of hospitalization, physical therapy and rehabilitation with their ultimate goal being the return of the raptor to its natural habitat. The conservancy provides a veterinary treatment center, flight recovery facilities, a full time staff and educational programs for the public, to aid the community in conserving the natural world. For many years Last Chance Forever has been contributing to the vital cause of conserving our wildlife heritage.

During Eagle Fest 2007 visitors are treated to a magnificent couple of shows demonstrating birds in flight.  Visitors see birds up close on the arms of their handlers.  Most of these birds are then released as the handlers direct them in flight to demonstrate many features and habits of each bird species.

View Photo Gallery of Previous Years.