American Solar Challenge 2022

The American Solar Challenge is on again this year, with scrutineering beginning on 1 July. It looks to be a great event! See the image for details (click to zoom).

---

The Cascades Raptor Center

The Cascades Raptor Center, Eugene, Oregon (image credit)

I am currently travelling in the US, and recently dropped in at the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon (see the Raptor Center website and Raptor Center instagram). This is primarily a hospital and rehabilitation centre for injured raptors (eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys, owls, vultures, etc.). By my count, 37 birds are on public display in wire mesh aviaries (mostly birds too seriously injured to be released).

Admission is US$10 per adult, and there is a small gift shop. Viewing the birds takes about an hour, and I really enjoyed my visit (the Center would also appeal to children of all ages). Tripadvisor gives the Center 4½ stars, which is probably a little more than I would give, given the Center’s size (but the money supports the Center’s work). There are also more interactive night-time viewing events, which I did not experience.

Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) and Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) at the Raptor Center (photographs by Anthony Dekker)

---