Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to attend a special program on Birds of Prey combined with a special Evening on the Farm at the Mountain Farm Museum on Thursday, October 22. \
      At 3:30 p.m. naturalist Doris Mager will conduct an hour-long Birds of Prey program.  Mager, also known as the “Eagle Lady”, has been working with raptors for over 35 years. She will bring four birds with her, including an American Kestrel, a Screech Owl, and a Great Horned Owl, allowing the public to “get up close and personal” with these fascinating creatures.
      At age 83, Mager still travels the whole Eastern United States giving educational programs such as this one. She has cared for over 80 injured eagles and hundreds of other raptors, and has housed up to 36 birds of prey in her backyard at one time.
      Between 5:00-6:30 p.m., Park staff and volunteers will provide a variety of demonstrations. including hearth cooking and broom making, during “An Evening on the Farm” in the midst of the century-old buildings for a look at life in the past.
      The Davis/Queen farmhouse will also be open for visitors to walk through.  “The evening hours offer visitors the opportunity to sit and visit for awhile and see the Farm Museum when it’s less crowded,” said Park Ranger Lynda Doucette.  Hot cider will be served and all activities are free.
      The Mountain Farm Museum is located on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 2 miles north of Cherokee, N.C. For more information, call the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at (828) 497-1904.  National park information is also available from the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/grsm.

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