sedona news – The Sedona International Film Festival, in partnership with the International Bird of Prey and Falconry Center, presents “Kestrel in Love: A Bird of Prey Experience” at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theater on Wednesday, February 7th at 4 p.m. I'm proud to be able to perform.

This event benefits the International Bird of Prey and Falconry Center.

Ted Gruesing's legendary photography and Dr. Michele Rosse's legendary falconry come together for a spectacular performance and presentation. You'll be amazed by the beautiful photos of wild raptors that are part of IRFC's trained raptor group.

At the heart of the International Raptor Falconry Center's (IRFC) conservation efforts is the Kestrel in Love initiative, which aims to save North America's smallest peregrine falcon species, the American kestrel. This multifaceted event celebrates the life of Finley, a star of American kestrel conservation, and introduces Lennox, who continued his mission.

Finley is a bossy and sociable American kestrel who has inspired countless people to care about this tiny peregrine falcon as it fights to survive in the wild. With his sweet and silly demeanor, Finley developed a love for American kestrels that exceeded his lifetime.

Finley's journey was cut short, leaving a gap in IRFC's American Kestrel conservation program. This fundraiser is the activation of our February-long Kestrel in Love conservation campaign, a fundraiser to raise funds to continue and expand our mission. Now the spotlight is on Lennox, a young and handsome male kestrel who is already an inspiration to everyone who meets him.

Lennox is a 9-month-old male American kestrel. He is currently undergoing a training program. Lennox has already filled the void left by Finley and established his own identity. He is shining!

American kestrels face myriad challenges, from habitat loss to environmental change. The exact reason for the decline in numbers remains a mystery.

IRFC Founder and Director Dr. Michele Rosey will present scientific research and conservation efforts and demonstrate how local communities can participate in conserving the American kestrel and its habitat through their own citizen science To do. This event not only honors the introduction of Finley and Lennox, but also serves as a call to collective action to ensure the survival of these amazing and beautiful peregrine falcons.

“Kestrel in Love: A Raptor Experience” will be held at the Mary D. Fisher Theater on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 to benefit the International Bird of Prey and Falconry Center. For tickets or more information, call 928-282-1177. Both theater and festival offices are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, West Sedona. For more information, please visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.