Birds of prey, or raptors, are hunting birds such as hawks, falcons, and owls, characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons. This presentation incorporates five live birds of prey, all native to New England, and will explain predation, the birds' place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world.

The wildlife rehabilitators at WINGMASTERS care for injured birds of prey at their center in Leverett, Massachusetts. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. WINGMASTERS provides a home for these non-releasable raptors, and introduces them to others through educational programs. Since 1994 WINGMASTERS has presented over 10,000 programs at schools, libraries and museums throughout New England.

This program is for kids age 5+, tweens, and teens, and their grownups (no younger kids, no solo adults). Registration required.

Questions? Contact Alison: amitchell@somervillema.gov

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Somerville Public Library.