BEYE Discovery: Raptors at the Trailside Museum of Natural History!

Post Contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director

Sara with red tailed hawk

Visiting the Trailside Museum of Natural History is always such a fun and valuable educational experience! Sara, a dedicated Naturalist from Trailside (see photo above), led our presentation today on raptors. She began by passing around specimens of talons & skulls and we learned how birds of prey are different from other birds, with their extremely strong talons and beaks built to grab and kill prey. Sara also gave students the opportunity to examine the difference between owl feathers and those of other birds, such as a vulture's: The serrated construction of the barbs along the outer edge of the owl's primary feathers allow for silent flight, so they can hunt quietly without exposing themselves. We also learned about an owl's proportionally large eye size compared to their head size, and how this adaptation allows them to have better night vision. Owls also have ears that are not symmetrically placed, so they are better able to hear they prey. Finally, owls have many bones in their necks, allowing for greater head rotation. Combined, these factors give owls a significant edge in hunting their prey!

Sara, Naturalist from Trailside, giving a presentation on raptors

Sara also shared information about falcons and vultures and then led us outdoors to observe the feedings of their resident owl, hawk and falcon. The owl was very cautious and didn't touch his meal in our presence. The hawk and vulture didn't mind having an audience and were both satisfied with their dinner. We then returned to the Museum to look at additional animal exhibits and to engage in some imaginative play. Finally, as we departed through the woods on our journey back to school, we were thrilled to see a family of deer!!! It made for a particularly eventful trip, and provided perfect closure: thank you to Ben who spotted the deer in the woods and gave all of us the opportunity to appreciated them. And of course of very big thank you to Sara and Trailside, for the work that they do and for giving us this opportunity to learn more about raptors through specimens and the residents raptors at Trailside. Thank you so much!