BILLINGS — Wild Birds Unlimited will have a live Great Horned Owl named Bu and an American Kestrel named Adora in the store as part of their 18th anniversary celebration.
The Montana Raptor Conservation Center will be at Wild Birds Unlimited on Saturday, Oct. 12 from noon until 2 p.m. with their winged ambassadors from Bozeman.
For a $2 donation, kids can have a selfie taken with the birds. All proceeds will benefit the Montana Raptor Conservation Center.
Founded in 1988, the MRCC provides services for raptors and communities across Montana.
The organization provides medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation to injured birds with the goal to release raptors able to rejoin the wild.
Last year the center received 202 raptors from 71 different locations.
Great Horned Owls are one of the largest and most common owls in North America that range from 16 to 32 inches tall. They hunt primarily at night, preying on mice, rabbits, woodchucks, rats, squirrels, skunks, ducks, quail and occasionally geese or turkeys.
Like many owls, it eats small prey whole and regurgitates indigestible parts such as hair, feathers and bones in the form of pellets.
"We are proud of feeding the birds of Billings for 18 years. And even more proud to make possible a public viewing of these incredible birds," said WBU store owner Kathy Haigh.
"In general, birds are important indicators of the health of the environment. Unfortunately some raptor populations are stressed from habitat loss and other environmental toxins. We hope to inspire the community to support conservation of these magnificent creatures," said Haigh.
The program is free and open to the public. No registration required.
For more information please call 406-245-1640 or visit www.wbu.com/billings
