What is a Raptor?
A raptor is a bird of prey—a carnivorous (meat eating) bird that differs from other carnivorous birds, such as herons, gulls, and shrikes. This is because of their specialized hunting adaptations listed below:
1. Talons - Raptors primarily use their sharp talons for capturing, holding, and killing prey.
2. Binocular vision - To help them spot their prey while flying hundreds of feet above the ground, all raptors have large eyes that can "zoom in" on food. A bald eagle can see a mouse in the grass from seven football fields away.
3. A sharp, hooked beak - Raptors all have beaks specifically built to be able to rip, tear, and eat food.
Our raptor ambassadors are non-releasable raptors - coming to us with lifelong injuries that would make survival on their own in the wild close to impossible or were bred in captivity and as such have never learned how to properly survive on their own in the wild. We home a variety of raptors right now such as Hawks, Owls, and Falcons who serve as our Raptor Ambassadors to teach our community members about raptor and environmental conservation.
To schedule a raptor presentation, please reach out to admin@earthconservationcorps.org
WHY RAPTORS?
Humans have been fascinated with Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Owls for thousands of years. By teaching elements of the ancient art and science of falconry, we empower youth to care for birds of prey and reconnect to nature.
Learning about raptor research, care, & conservation for our youths is a transformative experience that inspires both a thirst for STEAM education and a reconnection to self - a relationship that offers mutual healing. The raptor receives a second chance for survival and the relationship can change the course of a young person’s life. Many will gain a lifetime connection to raptors and environmental conservation. Our D.C educational sites are public and sit on the Anacostia River - The Monique Johnson Anacostia River Center and The Matthew Henson Earth Conservation Center - these sites offer a seamless path for the youth to build on their knowledge of science and nature.
