Haycock Elementary School’s 3^rd grade students recently enjoyed a visit from The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia . Volunteer handlers from the organization brought an Eastern Screech Owl, American Kestrel, Red-shouldered Hawk and a Gyrfalcon hybrid to show the students. This presentation gave the 3^rd graders the opportunity to learn about raptor adaptations such as the difference between diurnal and nocturnal birds, feeding habits and territory. Our students had the opportunity to ask insightful questions and offer observations and thoughts on the birds.

To learn more about The Raptor Conservancy, check out their website at RaptorsVA.org. Their organization rescues and rehabilitates birds found in the DC Metro area. Birds that cannot be released back into the wild safely offer excellent educational opportunities like the visit to Haycock ES.

Big thanks to Art Pittman for taking the photos in the slideshow above!