Although temperatures have been milder than normal, the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem presented "Arctic Fest: Wings and Wolves" for a group of about three dozen visitors Sunday afternoon.

The sounds of the center's canine residents' howling could be heard in the woods. Master falconer Brian Bradley from Skyhunters In Flight educated and introduced the group to two arctic raptors--a Snowy owl and a Gyr falcon.

The group then headed out to meet ambassador wolves Zephyr and Alawa as Maggie Howell explained how they are helping the endangered animals in their plight for survival.

A short walk up a path brought the group to another enclosure which housed Arctic Gray wolf Atka, another ambassador wolf. Howell encourged the visitors to howl, which inspired Atka and other resident wolves to howl as well, bringing smiles to all.

The center hosts programs and educational visits year round. For information, go to their Web site: www.nywolf.org.