Birds of prey and falconry demonstrations have been added to the Dufferin 125 Heritage Festival on the Civic Holiday weekend.

The exhibit will be presented by Peregrine International, based in the Hockley area, and run by Charles Linton, who is provincially licensed as a commercial falconer and professional trapper.

Mr. Linton brings the experience and training of being a wildlife control officer at the Lester B. Pearson International Airport.

Included in the program will be many interesting and beautiful birds of prey.

As part of the interactive and entertaining falconry experience, owls, falcons, hawks and vultures will be discussed.

During the show, Peregrine International will fly hawks and falcons along with the Canada's smallest falcon, "Puffie" the American Kestrel and educate the audience about the various aspects of birds of prey such as their natural habitat, quarry, conservation and offer some selected audience members the opportunity to try their hand as a falconer.

The shows will take place on Saturday, August 5, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, August 6, at 1:30 and 4 p.m.

Peregrine International will also be on hand both days to answer questions.

The Dufferin 125 Heritage Festival Weekend is a free event at the Orangeville Fairgrounds (on Mono's 5 Sideroad) which runs, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 5, and Sunday, August 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, August 7.

The festival is being sponsored by local businesses and the County of Dufferin.

For more information on the "Birds of Prey" show or the festival weekend, please call 519-9412816 or visit www.dufferincounty. on.ca .