A Peregrine Falcon Adventure

Fans by now likely know that Joe's favorite animal is the fastest in the world - the peregrine falcon. So when we heard of a special program for the opening of an exhibit all about the successful reintroduction of the peregrine falcon at the Bell Museum (also where Joe did some summer camps) we knew we would be first in line.  

The festivities were kicked off by a special talk by the founder of the Raptor Center and Peregrine expert, Dr. Pat Redig. The kids were forewarned that it might not be kid focused but they had to see it through. And they were excited for it, claiming front row seats. What we did not bargain for was a 90 minute lecture. Amazingly the kids stayed in their seats and mostly held it together. Unfortunately they absorbed about 1% of what they heard.  

But we weren't done there!  We spent another two and a half hours exploring all things raptors. First there were a kestrel, a bald eagle, and a peregrine falcon on display. There was the exhibit itself where the kids made peregrine falcon puppets and Ted read more about the bird. Then there was a live raptor demonstration where a great horned owl swooped over our heads. And the finale was dissecting owl pellets, the bones from which were carefully packed up for home by Joe. 

Clara was not as enraptured by it all as Joe, but she hung in there and retained a lot of the information thrown at her over the four hour adventure. 

Julie wasn't able to join us for the visit, so we may have to go back another day to show her everything!