Contact: Chriss Swaney / 412-268-5776 / swaney@andrew.cmu.edu

Event: Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering and its Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research will host "Flying High and Heels on Wheels," an exhibit of peregrine falcons, and a bicycle challenge to help the Pittsburgh region escape rising fuel prices by pedaling to work.

Earl Schriver, a veteran falconer and former steelworker from Baden, Pa., will demonstrate how the birds feed and survive in today's fragile eco-system. Schriver, a breeder of rare raptors since the late 1940s, will display a 3-week-old Great Horned Owl named Bubba; Lizzy, a 4-year-old hybrid falcon with Asiatic pedigree; J.R., a 4-year-old peregrine falcon; Lucky, a 3-year-old red tail hawk; and Nelly, a 9-year-old Goss hawk.

The live bird demos will be augmented by a bicycle rally and challenge to area residents to park their gas-guzzling vehicles and ride a bicycle to work. A specially designed two-wheel-drive bike will be debuted at the event by Carnegie Mellon's Paul Fischbeck, a professor of social and decision sciences and engineering and public policy. Prizes and awards will be announced at the event.

The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

When: Noon - 3 p.m., Thursday, April 21.

Where: Scaife Hall Garden, Carnegie Mellon University, off Frew Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213.
 
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