A Golden Eagle preens an arms-length away. A Great Horned Owl's hoot fills the classroom. This is Raptors of the Rockies, offering raptor education and birds in art programs for elementary schools as well as private and public gatherings across Western Montana. (Sorry, no longer available to Middle Schools.) Programs are led by Kate Davis and a teaching team of twelve species of live raptors, each with a unique story and personality. These hawks, falcons, owls and eagles are utilized in lively, informative and entertaining presentations and discussions for young and old alike, one hour in length with four teaching team birds.Raptor Education Programs
Live raptors serve as invaluable tools in conveying the adaptions and strategies essential to these predatory animals. Discussions in this program center on: tactics to locate, capture and kill prey; structural specializations; breeding habits; and individual ecological niches occupied by the various species represented. Also discussed is the essential role that predatory birds play in controlling prey populations and their place in the food chain with the related hazards of environmental dangers such as pesticides. Finally, the conservation of birds and their habitats is stressed, including a survey of the laws protecting wild bird populations.
Birds in Art Programs
Live birds are the greatest of models to render in art. With a hawk or falcon, eagle, and owl serving as live models, this program begins with a presentation on avian anatomy and function and is followed by sketching, painting or clay or paper mache sculpting sessions that include discussions of the characteristics key to rendering each species.
Falconry Programs
Presentations on this ancient sport have been a highlight of our programs over the years. The terminology, history, and techniques of falconry are discussed. Kate Davis holds a Master Falconry permit and has experience with falcons, accipiters and buteos.
Traveling Trunks
The Raptors of the Rockies Traveling Trunks are assembled and ready for schools to rent for two weeks at a time. These 3 foot long plastic trunks contain 10 raptor mounts encased in plexiglass, plus bird parts such as feathers, wings, feet, and an owl skull. Also included is a box of laminated Species Accounts and Range Maps of the 31 raptors of Montana, plus a glossary and sheets on silhouettes, taxonomy, and topography. Copies of our book, Raptors of the Rockies plus 5 other selected books on the topic serve as reference. Because they contain protected birds, they must remain within the state of Montana. A basic outline of 15 activities for classes using the trunks has been written by Kate Davis and Leslie Nyce. Although it’s not the same as a live bird show, we hope it will be equally informative and interesting. Fees for two weeks are $ 25, and two duplicate trunks are available.
Travel Restrictions
Caring for and using live birds in demonstrations unfortunately limits the geographic range for Raptors of the Rockies programs. As these raptors must return home to be safely tucked away each night, we can not offer our programs outside of Western Montana. Also, since we are a safe haven for the birds and not a zoo, we do not offer tours of our facilities.
In the Works
- Montana Audubon Environmental Educator of the Year 2000
- Montana Wildlife Federation Conservation Educator of the Year 2002
- Ben Meadows Company Outdoor Pro Award 2004
- Montana Natural History Center Natural History Educator Award 2004
Raptors of the Rockies is a non-profit 501(c)(3) program whose primary mission is education. We are funded largely by program fees and donations and we could use your help. Your support is very much appreciated and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Raptors of the Rockies Greeting Cards available for sale at Rockin' Rudy's. Seventy images, collect 'em and trade 'em.
