Virtual Learning: Raptors
Presented by Ken Wiersema
August 26th, 4 p.m.
Equipped with sharp beaks, talons, superb eyesight, and other unique adaptations. Come learn about the hunters of our skies!
Of the approximately 10,000 species of birds in the world, 500 or 5% are raptors. Of the 1,000 bird species in North America, we have some 30 raptors or 3%. Additionally, if we’d consider the total numbers of birds of every species, raptors as individual birds are less than 1%. So why are we interested in gaining a better understanding of this small fraction of bird species and individuals?
Raptors are mostly easy to see, they’re usually solitary or in pairs, many are keystone species, and they influence the lives of many other forms of life. Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons comprise the diurnal, or daylight, group of raptors, and owls work the night shift. The program on August 25th will concentrate on local daylight hunters.
Raptors can be year-round residents as well as migrants. Some have a specific prey base, and some will opportunistically eat an array of protein including mammals, fish, insects, reptiles, and carrion. A healthy and active population of raptors indicates a balanced environment. These birds have keen eyesight, strong feet with large talons, sharp hooked beaks, and sturdy versatile wings.
The legends and heritage of Native Americans include many tales of raptors; their artwork portrays them in dance, ceremonial garments, and totems. European settlers adopted the images of raptors as national and military symbols.
Please join us for an exploration of the raptors that share our Olympic Peninsula with us on August 25th at 4 p.m.
See y’all on Zoom.
Red-tailed Hawk Photo: Dow Lambert