Come learn about birds of prey at the library! Our friends from Wingmasters will be joining us for their New England Birds of Prey presentation. Birds of prey are also known as raptors, and they are hunting birds characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons (the word raptor comes from a Latin word that means “to seize”). Raptors can also boast the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. Raptors include hawks, falcons, and owls, and this presentation, which incorporates 4-5 LIVE birds of prey, all native to New England, gives an overview of these different categories. The program will explain predation, the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that Wingmasters cares for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future.

Wingmasters is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed wildlife rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey at their private center in Leverett, Massachusetts. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these nonreleasable raptors, and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994, Wingmasters has presented over 10,000 programs at schools, libraries, and museums throughout New England.

For the safety of everyone–including the birds–the birds will NOT be flown or touched by program attendees.

Please note: this program is for children ages 6+. It is not appropriate for children under 6.

Registration is required, and anyone who intends on watching the presentation MUST register, including adults. If more than 1 adult will be attending, please add extra adults as “children” in the registration form.

This program is a part of the Flight Path project, a collaboration between STARnet (a division of the Space Science Institute), HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, and the Medford Public Library. Flight Path brings science-backed solutions for libraries and their communities to take action towards building a safer world for birds. Special thanks to STARnet and HHMI for their support in making this program possible.

Questions? Email Sam D. at sdonahue@minlib.net.