Raptor Encounter in Coyote Valley

Join Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (OSA) in welcoming master falconer and educator Antonio Balestreri to Laguna Seca in North Coyote Valley! Guests will experience several species of our native raptors including an American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Great Horned Owl, and a Ferruginous Hawk.

This educational presentation will focus on the roles raptors play in our environment, raptor biology and conservation. Sign up for this unique opportunity to see these rescued and captive-bred raptors up close.

Seating will be on the ground and the program may include a free flying bird of prey. Please come prepared with a picnic blanket to help you be comfortable sitting in the open field. Low-profile chairs will be allowed, but we will ask that you setup behind guests seated on blankets.

Please note that children are welcome and encouraged to attend! However, this event is a 2 hour sit/listen educational program and may be better suited to kids age 10 or older. No dogs are allowed at this event.

About Our Presenter

Master falconer Antonio Balestreri was born and raised in California and developed an innate passion for wildlife, especially birds. He received his first falconry license in 1974 and went on to earn a degree in wildlife management from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo in 1981. He has worked with the California Condor, co-designing and building release facilities at Big Sur and Pinnacles National Park. He is one of very few people in California to hold a Falconry Education Permit, authorizing him to possess raptors for the purpose of raptor education programs.

About Our Location - Laguna Seca in Coyote Valley

T he event will be held at Laguna Seca, a vital habitat area for many bird species in the northern portion of the Coyote Valley Conservation Area. Protecting Coyote Valley and enhancing its wildlife linkage value offers a rare opportunity to connect over one million acres of core habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Diablo Range and beyond. We are excited to offer community members a special chance to visit this area of Coyote Valley.