The Birds at Madicon

March 8-10, 2013 were the dates for Madicon 22, a science fiction/fantasy/gaming convention held at James Madison University (click on the convention name for more info).  I have attended this convention several times and usually enter art in the art show.  Unfortunately I missed the registration deadline for this year's con and consequently didn't get to display any of my art.  But I did go and enjoy the convention on Friday and Saturday anyway.

Madicon supports as its charity for the convention the Wildlife Center of Virginia, an animal hospital for healing and releasing back into the wild (if possible) native Virginia wild animals.  Click on the name for more information.  A representative of the center appears at the convention with usually three birds of prey and talks about the center's mission and answers questions.  This year was no exception, except that I actually remembered to bring my camera and take pictures.

The birds that made their appearance this year were an American kestrel, a red-tailed hawk, and a barred owl.  These birds for various reasons could not be released back into the wild and so are used to illustrate the center's mission at appearances at schools and other events.

Unfortunately, due to the girl and the birds moving, I didn't get a good picture of the kestrel.  But here are a few pictures of the hawk and the owl.

 

Click on the pictures for larger views. Sorry they aren't better, but I hope you like viewing them.