Upcoming events.
Celebrating World Falconry Day
The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with the International Raptor and Falconry Center to present “Celebrating World Falconry Day” at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.
November 16, 2024 is World Falconry Day and Dr. Michele Losee founder of the International Raptor & Falconry Center will be presenting at the Sedona Film Festival Theatres.
Falconry remains a hidden world for most, and this event offers an unprecedented opportunity for your readers to step inside the exclusive world of falconry, where tradition and conservation meet in powerful ways.
In addition, four live raptors (species used in falconry) will be the highlight, as they grace the theater, bringing the essence of falconry directly to the audience in a way few people ever get to see.
Attendees gain an intimate view into a living cultural heritage that has been preserved over centuries, now a designated living cultural heritage by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization.
Event details and tickets: Celebrating World Falconry Day at the Sedona Film Festival Theatres
Tickets are $20; some of the proceeds will benefit the IRFC, a nonprofit organization.
Dr. Michele Losee, the International Raptor and Falconry Center’s founder, a master falconer, educator and raptor ecologist, will also be available for interviews, offering exclusive insights into the cultural significance of falconry and its essential role as Traditional Ecological Knowledge saving raptors today.
Vultures aren't Scary!
Spend Halloween with a vulture! Come dress up, get some candy and learn about vultures! And meet one in real life!
Our Turkey Vulture Druantia will be dressed up as a sweet, silly, smart vulture so meet her!
Other members of the IRFC Flying Team will be there to support Druantia.
IRFC Flying Team at The Arb!!
Lennox, our new male American Kestrel, hanging out with an adorable friend at the Arboretum last summer 2023.
Vultures are Vital! A Flagstaff Festival of Science Event
Join us for a unique and educational (belated) Vulture Awareness Day & Film Festival!
Hosted by the International Raptor & Falconry Center as part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
This event is dedicated to celebrating the vital role vultures play in our ecosystems and raising awareness about the critical plight of the nearly extinct Asian vulture species. Dive deep into the world of vultures through a series of captivating documentaries and films.
Discover the challenges faced by Asian vultures, the conservation efforts underway to save them, and the crucial ecological roles these birds play. Kids will enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities designed to teach them about raptors, with a special focus on vultures. Crafts, games and interactive displays will make learning about these fascinating birds an exciting adventure.
Meet Druantia: Our very own Turkey Vulture, Druantia, will be present for a special meet-and-greet session.
Children and adults alike can get up close to this magnificent bird and learn about her species' unique characteristics and importance. This event promises to be a day filled with learning, inspiration, and appreciation for vultures and raptors. Bring the whole family and join us in supporting vulture conservation and celebrating these amazing creatures. Together, we can make a difference!
Other members of the IRFC Flying Team will be present in show of support for Druantia!
IRFC Flying Team at The Arb!!
Aylen, our female American Kestrel with a young admirer at the Arboretum Summer 2023
Photo: Steve Comstock
IRFC Flying Team at The Arb!!
Quinn, our female Dark-morph Ferruginous Hawk at the Arboretum summer 2023.
Photo: Steve Comstock
IRFC Flying Team at The Arb!!
Lennox, our juvenile male American Kestrel
Photo: Ted Grussing
CANCELED (due to weather) STEM City Celebration
Leroy with Kim at the STEM City Celebration in 2023
City of Flagstaff Earth Day Celebration!
City of Flagstaff Earth Day Celebration 2024! Enedina, our female Saker Falcon will be in attendance.
Photo: Ted Grussing
Kestrels in Love Fundraising Event: A tribute to Finley and introduction to Lennox
Finley during his last photoshoot, he died 2 months later.
PHOTO: Ted Grussing
IFRC Benefit: The Sedona International Film Festival presents “The Wonders of Sedona and Northern Arizona: Through the Lens, Eyes and Mind of Ted Grussing
The event will benefit the International Raptor and Falconry Center.
Join Ted as he guides you through the wonders and beauty of Sedona, the Colorado Plateau and Northern/Central Arizona from a perspective that few have ever seen ... the beauty of the red rocks as seen from above and through the clouds, volcanoes and mountains, canyons and rivers ... and on the ground his beautiful and unique wildlife photography of those creatures with whom we share this magnificent part of Arizona.
Enedina and Lennox will be in attendance so be sure to come meet these two!
PHOTO: Enedina, female Saker Falcon, in flight her first season taken by Ted Grussing in Sept. 2022.
Kids’ Workshop!
In collaboration with Northern Arizona Audubon Society!
Life of a raptor is hard, some play the game better than others. The Saker Falcon is one species that is losing the game.
Come play the game of life as a raptor and find out if you win. Learn about the endangered Saker Falcon and meet Enedina, IRFC’s Saker Falcon, up close!
This workshop is designed to be kid-friendly learning; however, kids of any age will learn and enjoy the workshop. This event was very popular last year!
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information: The Arb
PHOTO: Ted Grussing; male Harris Hawk, Leroy
Kids' Workshop! Saker Falcon: Game of Life
Flagstaff Festival of Science Workshop Saker Falcons: Losing the Game of Life?
Life of a raptor is hard, some play the game better than others. The Saker Falcon is one species that is losing the game.
Come play the game of life as a raptor and find out if you win. Learn about the endangered Saker Falcon and meet Enedina, IRFC’s Saker Falcon, up close!
This workshop is designed to be kid-friendly learning; however, kids of any age will learn and enjoy the workshop. This event was very popular last year!
Location: Flagstaff Public Library; East
PHOTO: Steve Comstock, Enedina, female Saker Falcon in Sedona
Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Arizona's Best Kept Secret
Chances are you have heard of the Red-tailed hawk but what about the Ferruginous Hawk? North America’s largest hawk species.
Sadly, the Ferruginous Hawk is a species of concern in Arizona. Learn about this unique species and meet IRFC’s Quinn, the rarest hawk in Northern Arizona in person!
PHOTO: Ted Grussing, Quinn in Sedona Feb. 2020
Science in the Park
Come say “HI!” to the Flying Team and enjoy an awesome event!
Flagstaff Festival of Science is 10 days of pure science! The Science in the Park is the kick of event for the best 10 days of the year in Flagstaff.
Science in the Park is a family-friendly science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day! Most exhibitors will have hands-on activities for all ages.
Interact with a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions! The event is FREE!
For more information: Science in the Park
Raptor ID Workshop
"Join International Raptor & Falconry Center for an immersive in-person workshop to learn Raptor ID! Uncover the fascinating world of raptors as we delve into their distinctive features, behaviors, and habitats.
Finley: male American Kestrel taken Dec. 2021
Photo by Ted Grussing
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information:
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information: The Arb
PHOTO: Ted Grussing; female, Dark-morph Ferruginous Hawk, Quinn
Hummingbird Festival - IRFC Flying Team - Special Guests
The IRFC Flying Team will be the special guests during the Festival’s midday break in sessions. We will have 2-3 birds out at various times and will have educational items on display.
There will be an opportunity to participate in a mini fundraiser for our nonprofit as well! Donations will allow you to hold a Flying Team member and get some photos! Also IRFC swag and merch will be available to purchase to help fund our mission of making the world a better place.
Hope to see you there!
PHOTO: Bob Coates
Hummingbird Festival - IRFC Flying Team - Special Guests
The IRFC Flying Team will be the special guests during the Festival’s midday break in sessions. We will have 2-3 birds out at various times and will have educational items on display.
There will be an opportunity to participate in a mini fundraiser for our nonprofit as well! Donations will allow you to hold a Flying Team member and get some photos! Also IRFC swag and merch will be available to purchase to help fund our mission of making the world a better place.
Hope to see you there!
PHOTO: Bob Coates
Hummingbird Festival - IRFC Flying Team - Special Guests
The IRFC Flying Team will be the special guests during the Festival’s midday break in sessions. We will have 2-3 birds out at various times and will have educational items on display.
There will be an opportunity to participate in a mini fundraiser for our nonprofit as well! Donations will allow you to hold a Flying Team member and get some photos! Also IRFC swag and merch will be available to purchase to help fund our mission of making the world a better place.
Hope to see you there!
PHOTO: Bob Coates
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information: The Arb
PHOTO: Steve Comstock; male Harris Hawk, Leroy
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information: The Arb
PHOTO: Steve Comstock; female Saker Falcon, Enedina
![IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff [Canceled due to remaining snow; starts in June]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/604d190d6c8eba3fe76f3644/1677365817450-WWM86QMYDNGBZY7STC24/Aylen.LastArb.2022.jpg)
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff [Canceled due to remaining snow; starts in June]
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
This first program has been pushed back due to the insane amount of snow we have received over the winter; nearly 14 feet as of March 30th, delaying the reopening of The Arb in April/May. Hope to see you all in June!!
We are Back! One program the first Saturday of every month May thru October!
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
For more information:
IRFC Flying Team at the Arboretum Flagstaff
We are doing TWO programs on the last Saturday of every month May thru October!
TIMES: 12:15PM & 2:15PM
Learn about Raptors that can be found regionally, Raptors in your area and even learn about species found across world!
Learn a little bit about Falconry and the importance of this ancient culture in saving Raptors today.
And maybe best of all! Learn about the individual character and personality of the Flying Team members. They are all very different and special in their own way. You might be surprised just how much personality and intelligence these apex predators have. I can embarrass them by telling their secret silly stories and unique quirks; and no one would never have known them at an intimate level.
Playing the Game of Life as an American Kestrel
Flagstaff Festival of Science-Presentation/Activity
Life of a raptor is hard, some play the game better than others. The American Kestrel is one species that is losing the game. There is a recent push to find out why this little falcon is declining in numbers.
Come play the game of life as a raptor and find out if you win. We will have a big game board with you as the ‘human-sized’ game piece and we will play a quick game of life, raptor style! It is fun for kiddos but secretly adults like to play too.
Learn about American Kestrel conservation issues, how you can help and meet a live American Kestrel.
Target Audience Kindergarten to 5th Grade,Middle School but really anyone is welcomed.
PHOTO: Finley, American Kestrel, Steve Comstock