On Wednesday, April 11, John Halverson of the Black Hills Raptor Center visited Sanborn Central to introduce the students to birds of prey. Halverson had with him four different birds. One bird, a ferruginous hawk, was a West Nile survivor.  The second was a short-eared owl that had been hit by a car and was blind.  The third was a screech owl and was imprinted to Halverson. It had been in a nest hit by a sickle mower.  The final bird was an American kestrel that had fallen from its nest and was raised by humans.  

To be able to have the birds and any artifacts from other birds, Halverson must have special licenses. He was able to show the students owl feet, raptor wings and a plastic Eagle skull. The skull had to be plastic because it is illegal to own an Eagle skull. He also discussed what the birds had in common, big eyes, talons, and sharp beaks.

Conservation, education, and rehabilitation are the mission of the Raptor Center. These birds are excellent hunters and play a large roll in controlling the population of mice, gophers, rabbits, prairie dogs and snakes. 

Students in grades pre-K through high school enjoyed the program and appreciated Mr. Halverson bringing them to the school.

…See pictures in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.