It was an interesting tour learning about the center and the birds. The birds arrived at the center after being injured in nature. Some of the birds can be released back into the wild but some bird's injuries are such that they would only fall victim to predators if released.
When we went to pay for our entry, a burrowing owl was sitting on a perch at the desk.
And on the floor beside the desk were 2, two month old barn owl babies.
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| two month old Barn Owls |
Our guide first introduced us to a Harris hawk which is native to the southern States.
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| Harris Hawk |
The Harris hawk is very smart and very easily trained. In winter they are kept in an indoor facility.
Next we went to the owl exhibit.
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| Great Horned Owl |
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| adult Barn Owl |
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| Burrowing or Ground Owl live and nest in badger holes |
Owl's eyes don't shift like ours but they can turn their heads almost completely around searching for prey.
Next came the eagle display and these are big birds.
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| Bald Eagle |
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| this is the largest eagle |
Some of the birds were in cages because of injuries sustained in the wild. They were being kept quiet so they could heal.
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| Merlin Falcon |
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| Great Gray Owl |
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| Snowy Owl hiding behind a log |
We were also shown a turkey vulture which we learnt is native to Alberta. I have never seen one in the wild except in Texas.
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| Turkey Vulture |
The kids had a great time learning about these birds and getting to see them up close. They even got to touch a couple of the owls to see how soft their feathers were.
And lastly the students got to feed the ducks. The kids were swarmed by the ducks waiting for the food.
All in all it was a fun outing and enjoyed by all.
The nature center's website is www.burrowingowl.com. Learn more by going on line and seeing what the center has to offer.
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