GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — The Sierra Foothills Audubon Society (SFAS) and Grass Valley Charter School invite community members to an unforgettable afternoon featuring two live birds of prey on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Grass Valley Charter School Multipurpose Room.
The free, drop-in event will feature a Swainson’s Hawk and a Harris’s Hawk, offering attendees of all ages a unique opportunity to learn about and experience these remarkable raptors up close.
Wildlife biologist and author Linda Tuttle-Adams will join licensed raptor rehabilitator and educator Kim Franza for a lively presentation exploring the lives, behaviors, and conservation of these impressive birds. The program will include PowerPoint visuals, personal stories, and plenty of opportunities for audience questions.
The featured Harris’s Hawk is a retired falconry bird, while the Swainson’s Hawk is non-releasable and human-imprinted. The Swainson’s Hawk was transferred from the UC Davis California Raptor Center to participate in educational programs.
The event also represents a community partnership between SFAS and Grass Valley Charter School. Students will assist with setup, hospitality, and takedown as part of their service program, helping connect people of all ages with the natural world.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Location: Grass Valley Charter School Multipurpose Room, 225 South Auburn Street, Grass Valley
Admission: Free; no registration required
Parking: Available in the rear school parking lot off Colfax Avenue, between Back Porch Market and Diego’s Restaurant. The rear parking area is behind the Veterans Memorial Hall building. Please follow signs to the presentation area. Drop-offs may also be made at the front of the building.
Whether attendees are lifelong birders or simply curious about the hawks and other raptors they see soaring overhead, the program offers an opportunity to learn from experienced educators and see these extraordinary birds in person.
The event is suitable for all ages and especially welcomes families. Attendees can expect an afternoon of learning, curiosity, fascinating stories, and plenty of “wow” moments.
About Sierra Foothills Audubon Society
The Sierra Foothills Audubon Society is dedicated to promoting the conservation and appreciation of birds and their habitats through education, advocacy, and community engagement throughout the Sierra foothills region.
Community members interested in supporting SFAS’s mission are encouraged to join or renew their membership. Chapter membership supports local scientific research projects, habitat protection and conservation advocacy, education programs, youth scholarship grants, and expert-led field trips.
Visit us at https://sierrafoothillsaudubon.org/ for more information.