Gorton Community Center celebrates birds of prey

Experience the majesty of birds of prey with two community programs offered at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest.

As a part of the Gene Siskel Film Center series at Gorton, a special screening of "The Eagle Huntress" will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in the center's John & Nancy Hughes Theater.

A sensation at both Sundance and the Telluride Mountain film festivals, this documentary explores the journey of 13-year-old Nurgaiv as she defies tradition to earn the title of eagle huntress among her people, the Kazakh nomads.

With imagery captured via a unique drone camera, viewers will soar through the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia. Anchored by the charismatic Nurgaiv, this documentary balances personal drama with hair-raising action and spectacular scenery.

A conversation will be led by conservationist and ornithology expert Kali Cotteleer following the film.

Tickets for "The Eagle Huntress" are available in advance at www.gortoncenter.org/programs/all/eaglehuntress, and are $11 online, $13 at the door. Patrons are encouraged to purchase in advance to ensure a seat.

Following the film event, at 1 p.m. Sunday March 5, Gorton will present "Birds of Prey and Their Amazing Stories."

Linda Breuer has been saving songbirds and raptors for more than 20 years through her wild bird rehabilitation and education center, Barnswallow. Barnswallow was created with the goal of restoring the freedom of injured and orphaned raptors and songbirds, as well as educating the public about them.

Come to the Gorton Center to visit with Breuer and her rescued birds and hear their stories of survival. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advanced at www.gortoncenter.org/programs/all/barnswallow.

For more information, visit gortoncenter.org and check out other upcoming events at Gorton at www.gortoncenter.org/calendar.

Gorton Community Center is at 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest.