Educational Programs Offered By The Illinois Raptor Center
The IRC is funded entirely by donations and fees charged for educational programs. Fees from educational programs help offset the cost of caring for our educational birds and reduce the expense of transportaton to and from programs.
Special note: Nearly all of our "Wildlife Ambassadors" have some sort of disability that prevents their release into the wild. They have been hit by cars, flown into power lines, been hit by machinery or been kept illegally as pets. It is always our goal to return injured birds and mammals to the wild. Only those judged incapable of surviving on their own are considered for admittance into "Education On The Wing."
The Illinois Raptor Center introduces a new "Art and Nature" educational program.
Artists frequently draw inspiration from nature. The work of John James Audubon lives on today and continues to have great influence. Many others have crusaded to raise awareness of our natural treasures through their work as well. Our new "Art and Nature" program will bring up to three birds of prey into your art classroom to serve as models for young artists. Our volunteer will present a brief natural history program to introduce your students to the birds before they begin to draw or paint. The birds are extremely tolerant and will remain perched in your classroom. Students will be close enough to see them clearly. The best work, as chosen by the art teacher, may be displayed on our Web site with your permission.
Raptors 101
What is a raptor? A bird that eats meat? Is a robin a raptor? Why not? The main purpose of a Raptors 101 presentation is to help people understand and enjoy the natural world around them. Raptors 101 provides the basic information needed to identify raptors seen while driving along the highway, hiking in the woods or cutting the grass in the back yard.
During the presentation, audiences will be introduced to 4 different families of raptors - an owl, a hawk, a falcon, and an "other". The "other" is a bird that everyone thinks is a raptor but isn't! We explore size, color, feathers, flying, hunting styles, beaks, feet, talons and adaptations.
Raptors 101 is suitable for all ages. A Bald or Golden Eagle can be added to this presentation.
4 Live Birds, 45 Minutes
Illinois Day shift - Diurnal (Daytime) Birds of Prey
Ever wonder what kind of hawk hovers along the highway? Have you ever seen two hawks dive towards each other in a courtship " sky dance?" How does the vulture defend itself against predators? This program will give you some insights into hawk and falcon behavior as well as a closeup and personal view of these magnificent sky hunters. For an additional charge, you can add our golden eagle to the program. (A very large room is required for the Golden Eagle).
3-4 Live Birds
45 Minutes
Falcons of Illinois - The Fastest Birds On Earth
You'll be amazed at the sight of these small and compact sky hunters. Falcons are the "sports cars" of the raptor world. Their specialized hunting techniques and calm demeanor will impress any audience. They will have you watching the skies after the program.
3-4 Live Birds
Illinois Night shift - Nocturnal (Nighttime) Birds of Prey
Owls have always mystified people. Their nocturnal habits keep them out of sight, and out of mind. Our program will bring them into your classroom or auditorium and give everyone a chance to see and understand these amazing stealth predators.
3-4 Live Owls
45 Minutes
Owls of Illinois
This is our largest and most popular program! Nowhere else can you see such a variety of owl species at one time. Up to seven owls accompany us on this program, including some that are now endangered in the state of Illinois. We cover the natural history of owls living in or migrating through Illinois.
6-7 Live Owls
1 Hour
Illinois State Endangered Birds of Prey - Rare Raptors
Many people can name an endangered species from Africa; the black rhino for example. Others might be able to list a few threatened or endangered species living in the United States; the spotted owl, the California condor and the Florida panther are a few of the better known examples. Few, however, realize that some wild animals are in peril right here in Illinois. Meet some birds of prey on the brink of disappearing from Illinois forever. You will learn about the challenges they face as they try to find a place in our expanding civilization. It will make you think about they ways we live and how we waste our precious natural resources.
Illinois Eagles - Symbols of Power and Freedom
People have been inspired by eagles for centuries. Religions, countries, armies and others have adopted the eagle as their symbol of power. We'll bring eagles into your auditorium so you can see the power and beauty of these truly magnificent birds of prey. You will also see other birds of prey that are commonly misidentified as eagles. Due to the large size of eagles, a large room with adequate space for the presentation is needed.
2 eagles and 2 other raptors
1 hour
Ancient Falconry In The Modern World
Human have been hunting with birds of prey since 1700 B.C. This program will reveal how the ancient sport of falconry can still have an impact today. The techniques, equipment and vocabulary we employ to handle and care for our Wildlife Ambassadors are centuries old. From Ghenghis Khan, who hunted with trained Golden Eagles, to the peregrine falcon restoration program, see how falconry has touched all of our lives.
1-2 Live Birds
45 Minutes
How To Help Without Hurting - How and when to intervene
A baby bird is hopping around in your backyard. Is it an orphan? Is it lost? Did it fall out of the tree? What do you do? Sometimes wildlife encounters can be confusing. Often, well-meaning people try to raise wild babies with disastrous results. This program teaches the basic natural history of common wildlife species you are likely to encounter. You will learn how to identify the animal and determine if it needs help or if it can be left alone. You may be surprised to learn how well nature can take care of its own. You will even be introduced to an animal that was unnecessarily rescued, and learn what happened to prevent its release into the wild.
1 - 2 live animals
30 Minutes
Discovering Nature - Hands on Discovery Box
Boy, have we got a box full of neat stuff for children (preschool to third or fourth grade). Bones, fur, leaves, and logs. All of the amazing things that we have found in our wildlife adventures are here. Your group can touch and feel all the items, no problem. Have you ever seen a hummingbird's feather? We've got one. Hear the stories behind each item, and view one of our Wildlife Ambassadors up close. This is an interactive program so make sure your group has a lot of wildlife questions for us to answer.
1 live bird, mammal, or reptile
30-45 min.
Custom programs for your organization - Tell us what you need!
Do you have an environmental topic in mind that we could help you with? Call us. We would be pleased to help create a program involving our animals and your specific needs. Please call well in advance to give us time to properly plan your program.