Flying High with Raptor Day

Raptor Day is something new to Messmer; on March 14th the Schlitz Audubon Society set the scene for an exciting discovery of our feathered friends. Raptor Day was held after school in the Multipurpose Room. Workers from "Eagles and Friends" came to Messmer for the presentation.

You may be thinking; what is a raptor? Raptors are birds of prey that catch other animals with their strong feet, and they have excellent eyesight as well as hearing. Raptors are animals like eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.

Science Teacher Ms. Elizabeth Prichard headed the event and said, "They hunt live prey or scavenge for carrion, and can be diurnal or nocturnal. [Raptors are] often at the top of the food chain in many ecosystems." 

Ms. Prichard says Raptor Day was about, "Educating people about our feathered friends." The goal was to expose students to birds they may not know about, and give them up-close insight into them. 

Sophomore Nicholas Gardner said, "I learned a lot about eagles and other birds by attending Raptor Day...they are very sharp birds and have keen eyesight and hearing." Raptor Day was a big hit. Ms. Prichard said, "We were truly excited to meet an Eastern Screech owl (Tucker), a Barred Owl (Orion), a Kestrel (Malary), a Red Tailed Hawk (Sky-Walker), and the star of the show, the American Eagle (Glory).

Orion, the Barred Owl even spoiled us with his little song of 'Who Cooks for you? Who Cooks for you all?'" Many people were amazed by the birds and the things they could do. Nicholas adds, “I liked Raptor Day and I think it was a good idea.” 

Last year Ms. Prichard brought us reptiles, this year raptors--what wonderful creatures might she have in store for us next year?

--Contributed by sophomore Ramanda Davis