By Barbara Arnstein
Photos/ by David Lawrence Reade
The Hawk Creek Wildlife Center in East Aurora has over a hundred animal residents. You can visit all kinds of interesting, rescued birds and creatures, including Calypso the Clouded Leopard and Yeti the Snowy Owl. They have Eurasian Lynxes, a wild cat that loves water called a River Fishing Cat, a Geoffrey’s Cat, Sand Cats, an African Serval, and an African Caracal. There are beautiful macaws, majestic eagles, and lots of raptors. Some of them make visits to various educational settings to educate people about the importance of helping endangered animals. Each year visitors get many chances for “photo ops” with flying raptors and animals such as Tracker the Eurasian Lynx. 
Other animals there include the furry local celebrity, the groundhog who predicts the arrival of Spring, Buffalo Bert. A raven who resides there was taken to a rehabilitation center after he sensibly flew onto a random porch, hopped into someone’s lap and squawked, “Hi! Who’s momma’s good boy?”
The Center has two great Autumn events coming up soon: The Spooky Safari takes place on October 7th & 8th. It features a flying bird demonstration, the trick or treat trail, pumpkin painting, refreshments and activities for all ages. Kids can wear costumes. Parking is free, and tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and veterans, and $9 for children. You can also get a family pass for up to two adults and three children, between the ages of five and twelve years old. You can buy any tickets online. this event will take place rain or shine.
Wild Wines of the World takes place on October 14th from 1-4pm. Buying a ticket entitles an adult 21 years of age or older to savor eight four-ounce wine samples, a Hawk Creek wine tumbler, to learn about the animal ambassadors, view a demonstration of birds in flight, and the opportunity to feed a porcupine and pose for a photo holding a (non-native) raptor. This event will also be held rain or shine.
The Hawk Creek Wildlife Center is located at 1963 Mill Road in West Falls, NY. Visit http://www.hawkcreek.org for information and directions, or call (716) 652-8646.