CAS Presents Wingmasters

On Friday, March 22nd, 1st Graders were visited by some local birds of prey. Wingmasters is an organization of raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. They care for injured birds of prey. The birds of prey shown at this program are native to New England. They were all born in the wild, but because of injuries they can no longer survive on their own. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped.

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. Raptors can also boast the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. Raptors include eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. The program is designed to explain predation, the birds' place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world.

Ask your child about their favorite bird of prey and some of their unique adaptations! You can learn more about Wingmasters on their website!

American Kestrel

1st Graders learned that the American Kestrel is part of the falcon family. This American Kestrel weighs only 4 ounces! It's low body weight and pointed, hard wings help it move quickly. Do you see the black markings near its eyes? Ask your child how those markings help it survive!

Red-Tailed Hawk

Did you know that young Red-Tailed Hawks do not have red tail feathers?!? Ask your child about why that is! Red-Tailed Hawks can live 8-10 years in the wild and use their binocular vision for hunting.

Eastern Screech Owl

1st Graders were in awe of one of the smallest owls found in New England. The Screech Owl's ear tufts, which can be raised and lowered can help the owl camouflage. When a screech owl goes on the alert, it raises the ear tufts, pulls its feathers in tightly, and narrows its eyes to slits. The owl then can blend in perfectly to the tree!

Barred Owl

Can you guess how much this owl weighs? Believe it or not, this Barred Owl only weighs 1 pound! Looks are deceiving...the thousands of feathers covering its body would make you think it would weigh more! 1st Graders also learned that the Barred Owl's soft feathers, help it fly virtually silent!