With ample slide from John’s lengthy experience with birds of prey, the biology of Ohio raptors will be detailed; along with an explanation of the sport of falconry in Ohio.

John Blakeman is a retired advanced placement biology teacher and an expert on both Ohio prairies and raptors. He was a state and federally licensed raptor bander and has studied raptors across North America. He helped form the Ohio Falconry Association and to enact Ohio’s falconry legislation. He has bred raptors in captivity and conducted raptor rehabilitation. John has advised authorities in New York City’s Central Park in dealing with Red-tailed hawk breeding and to interpret to the public what was being seen.