Bringing the raptors to school

On November 18 we are bringing West Sound Wildlife Shelter to school with two of their animal ambassadors, Artemis, a saw whet owl, and Remington, a turkey vulture.

The saw whet owl is one of the smallest owls in the Pacific Northwest. They feed mainly on mice. Owls are cavity nesters, so while the female sits on the eggs in the nest, the male brings her food. She keeps the nest cavity very clean until the babies are about 18 days old, when she starts spending the nights in another hole, and she lets the dirt build up in the nest.

If you are out looking in the sky for raptors, or birds of prey, you may have seen a turkey vulture, but mistaken it for an eagle or an osprey. If it's wings are held in a V-shape and it flies in wobbly circles, it is probably a turkey vulture. This bird helps to clean up the countryside. It's keen sense of smell helps it locate fresh carcasses. Many cultures see the turkey vulture as sacred for it's clean up role. You will probably find a turkey vulture near farm fields or near roads, but not in your backyard, unless your backyard is very, very big.

Learn more about these two interesting birds on November 18, from 1:30-3:30, in the Fellowship Hall at Seabold Methodist Church. We will make a simple bird feeder to place in our wildlife sanctuary, enjoy snack together, and play outside in our natural playscape.