Meet the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center's peregrine falcon "Cutright" at State Fair!

WEST ALLIS (WITI) – Meet the newest member of Schlitz Audubon Nature Center’s family at We Energies Energy Park at the Wisconsin State Fair!

Schlitz Audubon is introducing its new peregrine falcon to the public for the first time. "Cutright" will make his public debut during daily shows at Energy Park.

Cutright is named in memory of longtime We Energies employee Noel Cutright who passed away in November.

 

Cutright was a senior terrestrial ecologist with We Energies for 29 years and a big supporter of Schlitz Audubon’s Birds of Prey program, securing the program’s first peregrine and first major contribution. Cutright also served as past president of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, founded the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, and led We Energies’ efforts in reintroducing peregrine falcons in Wisconsin.

Cutright the peregrine retired from being an active duck hunter who had partnered with a human falconer for 12 years.

Able to dive at over 200 mph and hunt on the wing, the peregrine is no ordinary bird. Cutright joins 14 other feathered ambassadors in one of the region’s most complete cast of Wisconsin raptors.

Peregrines remain an endangered species in Wisconsin after near extinction due to the widespread use of pesticides in the 1950s and 60s.

Schlitz Audubon has been a longtime partner of We Energies at Energy Park, hosting three bird shows daily throughout the Wisconsin State Fair. From falcons to eagles to owls, several of the Center’s feathered friends will be on display at Energy Park. We Energies and Schlitz Audubon are both leaders in raptor education in the Great Lakes region.

The state fair runs from July 31 – Aug. 10. Energy Park and the Schlitz Audubon raptors are located on the western edge of the fair grounds on Wetley Way near First Street.

Formal programs are at 10:30am and 1:30pm, flight demo will be held at noon, and birds will be making many appearances throughout the day. 

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers a wide range of educational programs for toddlers through senior citizens. Schlitz Audubon’s sustainable, Gold LEED certified Educational Center is situated on 185 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan, just 9 miles north of downtown Milwaukee. There are 6 miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a 60-foot observation tower overlooking Lake Michigan. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center connects people with nature and inspires them to become responsible stewards of the natural world. Visit Schlitz Audubon online at www.sanc.org.