Raptorology with kids!

For the last few Tuesdays I have run a "Birds of Prey" class/club after school and fourteen 2nd through 5th grade students, plus my friend and colleague Paul, have been having a blast learning about and sharing what we know about the different birds, as well as exploring adjacent Rothman Open Space here in Lafayette. The kiddos have been really excited to learn about specific (mostly locally found) birds ranging from the Red-tailed hawk, American Kestrel, both eagles, to Snowy and Barn owls, to the Harris Hawk and even two boys studying the Northern Goshawk, my personal nemesis bird-I have tasked them with learning everything about the species for my quest.

Depending on weather, we try to go outside each session.  The first two times we only had time for a short trip to the back of the playground for a view of the open space, but without any raptor sightings. Shortly after each one, while walking my dogs I saw a Red-tail and a Rough-legged.  The third session was during the sub-zero spell.  Finally, the fourth class, we went on a longer loop and were treated to both a Kestrel and a Red-tail flying around us for great views.  The girl studying the Kestrel ID'd it immediately and was flying herself.  This type of discovery is the most gratifying aspect of teaching.

The students keep asking when we are going to go further and see more, so we will be taking a longer hour long loop in the Open Space and are planning a Saturday drive through the county to cap off the class.

Roughie note:  Only one winter in the past ten have I seen a Rough-legged hawk in my backyard of Rothman, but this year I have seen three.  This not really irruption, but their prevalence this year anyway has really helped me identify them not just by markings, but also their different style of flying, although it is hard to specifically describe, just not like a Red-tail, nor Ferruginous or Harrier.  I have come to really appreciate them.