The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with the International Raptor and Falconry Center to present “Kestrel in Love: A Raptor Experience” at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
The event will benefit the International Raptor and Falconry Center.
The legendary photography of Ted Grussing and the legendary falconry of Michele Losse, PhD come together for an epic performance and presentation. You will be amazed by the beautiful photography of these raptors — wild and part of IRFC’s group of trained raptors.
At the core of International Raptor and Falconry Center’s (IRFC) conservation efforts is, "Kestrel in Love" a commitment to saving the incredible American Kestrels, North America’s smallest falcon species. The multi-faceted event celebrates the life of Finley, who was a star in American Kestrel conservation, and the introduction of Lennox, who has taken over the mission.
Finley was a bossy and gregarious American Kestrel that inspired countless people to care about these tiny falcons ?ghting for survival in the wild. With his sweet and silly demeanor, Finley fostered a love for American Kestrels that transcended his life.
Finley's journey was cut short, leaving a void in the IRFC’s American Kestrel conservation program. This fundraiser revitalizes our "Kestrel in Love" an American Kestrel conservation campaign throughout the month of February and is a fundraiser to raise funds to continue and expand our mission. The spotlight is now on Lennox, a young and handsome male Kestrel who is already inspiring all who meet him!
Lennox is a nine-month-old male American Kestrel; he is currently going through his training programs. Lennox has already ?lled the void left behind by Finley and has created his own identity. He is shining!
American Kestrels are confronted by myriad challenges, from habitat loss to environmental changes; in which, the exact reason for the decline in their numbers remains a mystery.
Dr. Michele Losee, Founder and Director of IRFC, will present scienti?c research, conservation initiatives and demonstrate how the community can participate in the safeguarding of American Kestrels and their habitats through their own Citizen Science. The event is not just a tribute to Finley and the introduction of Lennox but as a rallying cry for collective action to ensure the survival of these phenomenal and beautiful falcons.