Guess which raptor was the finale of Close Encounters with Birds of Prey with Bill Streeter of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center? Was it the peregrine falcon? The red-tailed hawk? Or the barred owl? No. It was Mojo, the 4-ounce saw-whet owl.
Bill told the story of Mojo and how a young couple driving down the road saw movement in the snow on a cold winter evening. They stopped the car and found little Mojo, injured and fighting for his life. They took the time to save Mojo, keeping him warm until they could get him to the Delaware Valley Raptor Center for expert care. Because Mojo could not be returned to the wild, he has been used by Bill to educate as many as 90,000 children and adults about the world of raptors. All those who saw Mojo will never forget him and will always be grateful he was saved.
What do you need to know about River Day in Tunkhannock from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21? First of all, you’re invited. It’s free. And it’s at Riverside Park right on the Susquehanna River — a beautiful park with a boat launch, pavilion, plenty of parking, right on Route 6 near the by-pass and downtown Tunkhannock.
For the 14th year in a row, the beautiful Susquehanna waterfront will be the setting for arriving kayaks, nature explorations, environmental organization displays and presentations, live animals from the Endless Mountains Nature Center, food vendors, and four live musical performances.
To begin the day, join a free session of Kundalini Yoga at the River at 10 a.m. Bring a blanket or yoga mat and experience what yoga can do for your mind and body while being outdoors under the trees at the river’s edge. All are welcome.
Kayak enthusiasts may want to join one of two River Floats organized by Keith Brown of Endless Mountain Outfitters (www.emo444.com) and Art Coolbaugh of Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals (www.kayaktheriver.com). Rent a kayak and float down the river from Meshoppen at 9:30 a.m. or the Howland Preserve at noon, arriving at Riverside Park just as the music begins at the pavilion. To register, call Endless Mountain Outfitters at 570-746-9140 or Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals at 570-388-6107.
Always featured at River Day is continuous music at the new pavilion from 1 to 7 p.m. Retro Rocket, a high fidelity acoustic trio, jump starts the afternoon from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with a harmonious blend of Americana and original compositions. Abi and Tim Zieger bring a mix of rousing traditional songs, well-loved folk tunes, and a mix of indie-acoustic originals from 3 to 4 p.m. They are pleased to be joined by students from their Jam Along Band Camp and will share what they have learned about music and musical instruments all week at the Dietrich Theater.
The music will pause briefly from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to feature the 444 Club, a club of all those who have paddled the entire Susquehanna River – from Cooperstown, NY to Chesapeake Bay, all 444 miles. Learn all about this prestigious club of amazing paddlers.
Flatland Ruckus will take the pavilion stage from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., featuring country music, southern rock and rock. Returning by popular demand, Chris Shrive is the lead guitarist and singer. To end the day from 6 to 7 p.m., Hickory Project takes the stage, the band that features hard-driving traditional and original acoustic music with elements of bluegrass, Celtic, swing, and Jazz.
There is so much more to tell you about at River Day – activities for children, ways to learn about the natural world around us, and good food. Come join us at the river. We will welcome you and guarantee you will be glad you came. See you at River Day.
