Raptors for Children PDF Print E-mail
The loud gasps of 109 children and their parents were heard as “Turkey Vulture Junior” with his six-foot wingspan rose with great suspense into view at Vehe Farm. “Wow! Awesome! Cool! Oh my gosh!” were some of the human sounds heard.
“Raptors for Children”, a Leave No Child Inside event held at Vehe Farm Barn and coordinated by the Vehe Farm Foundation for the Village of Deer Park, was a great success. Scott Gifford, Village President, welcomed everyone to the Village’s first of three Leave No Child Inside winter events.
 

 Dawn Keller from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation held the children in rapt attention for a solid two hours as she walked the raptors down the aisles so that the children could see each bird close up. Volo, the Red-tailed Hawk was not shy to show off. Kotori, the Screech Owl, was petite and gentle looking, yet described as a stealthy early evening hunter. With tail fluttering and lots of vocalization, the American Kestrel, a small falcon, was camera shy and a little nervous. But most certainly, the star raptor was Turkey Vulture Junior.

 

Photos by Phil Hampel, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 847-602-1151


The kids laughed when the birds pooped, learning that bird poop is generally green and bird pee is white. They also learned that each species of bird has a unique odor. Questions such as why the vulture’s head is bald and how did the birds come to be with Flint Creek Wildlife were all answered. Children also had the opportunity to have their photos taken with each of the raptors.
This event was funded by Leave No Child Inside contributions from the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce, Harris Bank, McGinty Brothers, Tallgrass Restoration LLC, and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. Leave No Child Inside has grown to be an area-wide initiative to connect children with nature. To learn about other Leave No Child Inside local activities, such as the Great Backyard Bird Count and Owls for Children, or to become part of the area-wide initiative, visit www.funoutside.org.