Raptors celebrated at Del Mar Town Hall

The raptors of the San Dieguito Lagoon and River Valley took center stage at Del Mar Town Hall on Nov. 13, at a special event jointly presented by the Del Mar Foundation and the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. A live barn owl was on hand for attendees to see and admire. Photography by former Del Mar Mayor John Weare featuring raptors of the San Dieguito Lagoon and environs was on display, along with an exhibit of Sue Britt’s artwork inspired by scenes along the Coast to Crest Trail in the River Valley, according to a news release.

A full house paid rapt attention as Sharyl Massey of Sky Hunters, a nonprofit dedicated to raptor conservation and education, made an inspiring and informative presentation about the raptors found in the San Dieguito River Valley. Before and after her talk, Massey displayed a live barn owl and answered questions from attendees who were delighted to “meet” the owl.

DMF and SDRVC joined together to organize this evening of “all things raptor,” since both nonprofits have long been involved in work to protect the San Dieguito Lagoon, and to support the trails around the lagoon and through the river valley, which extend to the river’s source on Volcan Mountain near Julian.