See raptors at center’s fall open house

The California Raptor Center, which cares for injured eagles, hawks, vultures and owls, will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Presentations at 10 a.m. and noon will cover raptor biology and ecology. Visitors also can see in their enclosures a variety raptors that cannot be re-released because of their earlier injuries, as well as birds out on the glove of volunteers. The onsite museum will be open, and T-shirts and other Raptor Center souvenirs will be for sale.

Those who wish to take part in an hourlong “hawk walk” at 8 a.m. should bring binoculars.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted with gratitude. The center’s operations have been deeply affected by budget cuts.

“With strong community support, the volunteers hope the center will find the financial support to stay open and that there will be a spring open house and many more such events in coming years,” a news release said.

Five small owls carved from Cornish oak and holly by artist Alan Harris of Cornwall, England, will go to the first visitor to make a $1,000 donation to the center.

To reach the center, follow Old Davis Road south from the main UC Davis campus. Cross the railroad tracks, then turn left onto the paved levee road just before the Putah Creek bridge. Parking is free.

For more information and a map, visit www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/calraptor.