Peregrine banding

On May 13th 2008, we went to Washington University Medical School, in St. Louis, MO, to band four peregrine chicks. There were three males and one female. We put on an ID band and a US Fish and Wildlife service band. After we were done, we put them back with their parents. They looked great. Banding helps keep track of bird movements and mortality.

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Osiris (Egyptian Vulture)

Osiris's Story

Species: Egyptian Vulture
Hatched: 1998

Osiris is the only Egyptian Vulture to be hatched by the World Bird Sanctuary. She was named after one of the oldest Egyptian gods, who was believed to be the god of life, death, and fertility.

Osiris is a real trooper with a long list of credits. She has appeared at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Grants Farm, Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, the Boston Zoo, WBS Office of Wildlife Learning here in Valley Park, the Busch Gardens show in Virginia as their "Halloween Bird," and most recently, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

Her trainers tell us that Osiris is VERY SMART, so smart, in fact, that they sometimes have to be very inventive to keep one step ahead of her when teaching a new behavior. They tell us that she is a great flyer, has a good memory, learns quickly, and likes to chew on her leash.

In our educational programs, Osiris demonstrates an amazing behavior developed by Egyptian vultures in the wild. They use tools! Osiris demonstrates this remarkable accomplishment by picking up stones on stage and dropping them on an ostrich egg to crack it. How her species originally developed this behavior is uncertain, but the use of tools by any animal is considered a landmark accomplishment.

During the off season, Osiris resides in the Education Training Center at the World Bird Sanctuary headquarters in Valley Park, MO. Because she does not live in an area normally open to the public and performs at zoo shows during the summer, adoptive parents will need to call 636-861-3225 to schedule a visit with her.

To adopt Osiris, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $100 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: OSIRIS. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents receive:

• A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• Certificate of Adoption
• Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• Sponsorship Card
• One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• Life History and Natural History of the bird
• 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• Discounts on WBS Special Events
• WBS Decal

Natural History

Egyptian vulture
Neophron percnopterus

Description smallest of all the European vultures; adult plumage white with some black feathers in the wings and tail; juvenile plumage is dark brown, gradually turning white by age five; beak long and slender with a blackish tip; facial skin yellow, turning orange during breeding and nesting seasons

Sex: plumage identical; female somewhat larger than male

Age: 37 years

Length: 33”

Wingspan: 5.5’

Weight: 4.5 lbs.

Habitat: plains, wetlands, uplands and mountains

Status: Endangered; Indian population has crashed due to use of NSAID Diclofenac in veterinary medicine, which enters the food chain of the species

Range: Southern Europe, North Africa, Western and Southern Asia

Behavior: Breeding display consists of flying high into the air and diving down, grasping claws on the way: pairs mate for life; nesting sites are rocky ledges and cliffs, preferring well sheltered areas with many cavities as they are colonial nesters; nest, consists of branches and sticks lined with garbage and food remains; 1-3 white eggs with dark brown spots laid between March and April; incubation is 42 days; young fledge at around 90 days

Diet: mainly carrion; also small mammals, insects, rotting vegetation and eggs; only vulture species to use tools; has learned to break ostrich eggs by picking up and flinging rocks and stones in the egg’s general direction until the egg cracks, then the bird enlarges the hole with it’s beak to get to the contents

Vocalization: generally silent

√ First recorded bird ever to be protected by law; one Pharoah felt so strongly that their job as a natural cleaner was so important he declared killing the bird was punishable by death. The vulture was always seen on the front of the pharaoh’s crown.

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

An Egyptian in Boston...

Meet Osiris, our Egyptian Vulture. Osiris was named for the Egyptian god of death and rebirth. Egyptian vultures are the first known protected species in human history. The ancient Egyptians venerated these beautiful birds and made it a crime to kill them.

In the wild, this small vulture can't compete with most other vultures at a carcass. They get a quick bite by being first to arrive at a carcass, but then other birds get most of the meat. Instead they often raid breeding colonies to steal chicks and eggs. They can carry eggs in their beaks and then use rocks to break them open. They are native to most of Africa and southern Europe.


As you can see in these photos, Osiris has perfected the egg-breaking craft of her species and can be seen in action this summer in our programs at the Stone Zoo in Boston. If you are in the area, come on by and see this amazing bird!

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Tobin (European Barn Owl)

Tobin's Story

Species: European Barn Owl
Hatched: 2003

Tobin was bred at the World Bird Sanctuary and is believed to be male. He was integrated into the education department in 2003. He has been hand raised by our staff to make him comfortable with humans.

Tobin was the first European Barn Owl flown by the World Bird Sanctuary. He was soon flying in programs. At first he was easily distracted due to age and inexperience. However, today he is a seasoned performer who is featured at many of our special events and programs.

Tobin is very popular with audiences and even our seasoned staff refers to him as "a cutie." However, he does have "attitude" when necessary.

Your donation will help to fund the cost of training, housing, and caring for this popular member of our Education Department, as well as supplying him with his favorite food: mouse tidbits!

To adopt Tobin, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $100 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: TOBIN. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

European barn owl
Tyto alba alba

Description medium sized owl, smaller and lighter in color than American cousin; long, sparsely feathered legs; rounded head without ear tufts; heart shaped facial disk has white feathers surrounded with a brownish edge; beak off white, long, and compressed; rounded wings and a short tail; back tawny brown, marked with black and white spots; underside grayish white with brown spots; one of the few owls with completely dark eyes; feet yellowish-white to grayish-brown; downy feathers and fringed wing feathers give silent flight; asymmetrical ear location—one ear higher on one side of the head than the other which allows them to triangulate sound for hunting

Sex: both sexes similar in size and color, with females tending to be larger, heavier, and darker in color than males; females and juveniles generally more densely spotted; sexually mature at 1 year; mate for life

Age: high mortality rate in the first year; average age of a wild barn owl is 2 years; few adults live beyond 3-4 years; captive birds have a much longer lifespan

Length: 16” Wingspan: 2.5’ Weight: 9-13 oz.

Habitat: prefers open land, prairies, grasslands and agricultural area for hunting; nest in natural hollows in trees, cliffs, caves, nestboxes, barns and other structures

Status: European Barn Owl populations have been declining severely in much of their range. Due to loss of nesting habitat, only about 2,000 pairs remain in the wild in Britain

Range: British Isles, western France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and countries bordering the Mediterranean

Behavior: breeding season is March through October; mating and courtship involve a great deal of chasing and screaming; nest is a scrape lined with pellets and debris; not extremely territorial; can nest within ½ mile of other pairs; 4-6 solid white eggs (occasionally as many as 12); female lays one egg every 2-3 days, but starts incubating immediately hence there may be as much as two to three weeks difference in the age of chicks in the same brood; generally 3-4 young survive; incubation period 29-45 days; young fledge at 7-10 weeks, but do not leave the area until 3-5 months old; breeding pair may lay a second clutch of eggs when the young start to leave the area; in addition to hunting from a perch they are also known to fly low over open fields in a quartering flight pattern to locate small rodents in their runs
Diet: majority of prey is small rodents , but will also hunt birds, fish, reptiles and insects

Vocalization: does not hoot; communicates with grunts, raspy hisses and drawn out hissing screams; male’s courtship call is a shrill repetitive twittering; adults returning to a nest give a low, frog-like croak; when disturbed at the roost or nest it makes hissing and rasping noises along with snapping sounds known as bill snapping

√ Common nicknames: ghost owl, monkey faced owl, white owl, night owl, Sweetheart Owl, church owl

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Dawn (American Barn Owl)

Dawn's Story

Species: Barn Owl
Hatched: 2001

Dawn, a female barn owl, was hatched at the World Bird Sanctuary's breeding facility. She was carefully raised and trained by our handlers to be one of our education birds. She has worked at our Busch Gardens Tampa programs, and is currently traveling with our Education Department staff to teach audiences about the role Barn Owls play in the environment.

Dawn is a real trouper. Every year she amazes thousands of audience members by demonstrating the barn owl's silent flight. Your adoption fee will help to keep Dawn traveling with her message of conservation, particularly for those children who otherwise would never have the opportunity to see this beautiful creature of the night.

To adopt Dawn, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $100 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: DAWN. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

common barn owl
Tyto alba

Description: medium sized owl; long, sparsely feathered legs; rounded head without ear tufts; heart shaped facial disk has white feathers surrounded with a brownish edge; beak off white, long, and compressed; rounded wings and a short tail; back tawny brown, marked with black and white spots; underside grayish white with brown spots; one of the few owls with completely dark eyes; feet yellowish-white to grayish-brown; downy feathers and fringed wing feathers give silent flight; asymmetrical ear location—one ear higher on one side of the head than the other

Sex: both sexes similar in size and color; females usually larger, heavier, darker in color than males; females and juveniles generally more densely spotted; sexually mature at 1 year; mate for life

Age: high mortality in the first year; average age in the wild is 2 years; few adults live beyond 3-4 years; oldest recorded wild barn owl in North America was 11 years, 6 months; captive birds have a much longer lifespan

Length: 14-20” Wingspan: 3.5’ Weight: 8-21 oz.

Habitat: prefers open land, prairies, grasslands and agricultural area for hunting; nest in natural hollows in trees, cliffs, caves, nestboxes, barns and other structures

Status: legal status across the entire US as a whole is “Not Endangered”; however, legal status in many states, including Missouri, is “Endangered”; causes of mortality are: loss of nesting sites, grasslands and pastures; great horned owl predation; vehicle collisions; shooting; poisons used to kill rodents which the owls eat; other factors which affect the rodent population

Range: every continent except Antarctica

Behavior: breeding season March through October; mating and courtship involve much chasing and screaming; nest is a scrape lined with pellets and debris; not extremely territorial; may nest within ½ mile of other pairs; usually 4-6 solid white eggs, sometimes more; one egg laid every 2-3 days, but incubating starts immediately hence there may be as much as two to three weeks difference in age of chicks in same brood; generally 3-4 young survive; incubation period 29-45 days; young fledge at 7-10 weeks, but do not leave the area until 3-5 months old; may lay a second clutch of eggs when young start to leave the area; usually hunt from a perch; also known to fly low over open fields in a quartering flight pattern to locate small rodents in their runs

Diet: majority of prey is small rodents , but will also hunt birds, fish, reptiles and insects

Vocalization: does not hoot; communicates with grunts, raspy hisses and drawn out hissing screams; male’s courtship call is a shrill repetitive twittering; adults returning to a nest give a low, frog-like croak; when disturbed at the roost or nest it makes hissing and rasping noises along with snapping sounds known as bill snapping

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BARN OWLS

√ A barn owl family (5-7 birds) can consume 25,000 rodents a year; one pair may take as many as 1,000 mice during the nesting season alone to feed their brood

√ 200 pellets from a pair of barn owls roosting above the Smithsonian Institute Building contained 444 skulls, including 225 meadow mice, 179 house mice, 20 rats, and 20 shrews—all caught in the city

√ Can catch prey by hearing alone in total darkness due to asymmetrical location of the ears which allows them to triangulate sound

√ Because barn owls tend to live in damp areas, a fungus grows on their feathers, giving them a phosphorescent glow at night—hence the often used name “ghost owl”

√ Common nicknames: ghost owl, monkey faced owl, white owl, night owl, Sweetheart Owl, church owl,

√ Throughout history, barn owls have been associated with omens, witchcraft, and death; they were used as symbols, in myths and as part of superstitious potions

√ The female’s breast spots are believed to be a stimulus to the male, indicating the quality of the female. When a female’s spots were experimentally removed, the male fed the nestlings at a lower rate than if the spots were left alone.

Barn owl release...

Hey remember when these guys were just babies in the nest with Mom?



Well, they are all grown up and ready to leave the nest (and the people) for a life in the wild. We took three of them to a barn in southern Missouri and as you can see, released them from captivity. We will go back in a week and open the loft so that they can learn to hunt while still being fed by the Priday family, and from there they will venture out into the world. Barn owls are rare in the midwest and our hopes are high that these birds will thrive.

Lewis the Bald Eagle stuns fans with his fantastic flight!

Sponsored by Schnucks Markets and with the St. Louis Cardinals, the World Bird Sanctuary has had the privilege of flying Lewis, a 6 year old bald eagle, at both old and new Busch Stadiums. This video is from opening day, 2008 and as you can see, Lewis does excellent work. So do Jen and Roger his human handlers! Lewis is a favorite at Cards games and never fails to thrill the fans.

Thank you to Jamie and Boyd of Longpoint Productions for their excellent video work.

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Bogart (Eurasian Eagle Owl)

Bogart's Story

Species: Eurasian Eagle Owl
Hatched: 1997

Bogart is assumed to be a male due to his size and the deep timbre of his "hoot." Since there are no visible differences between the sexes other than size, only egg laying, DNA testing, or surgical sexing would confirm or disprove this supposition.

Bogart is a great favorite with audiences. His five foot wingspan makes him a most impressive sight when he flies over the heads of audience members during a Raptor Awareness program.

Despite his imposing appearance, Bogart is considered a sweetheart by his handlers. He loves to dig nesting holes in his mew, and hopes to find the right human for his potential mate. For more on eagle owl love, see our Monday Morning Haiku post from March 17th. Bogart is also a very cute bather!

To adopt Bogart, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: BOGART. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

Eurasian eagle owl
Bubo Bubo

Description similar to the great horned owl, but much larger; prominent ear tufts are usually laid back; streaked breast, mottled brownish feathers; some have orangish-brown feathers on the face, underparts, wings, and back; orange-yellow or deep fiery orange eyes; adults and juveniles similar in appearance

Sex: coloration the same for both sexes; females larger than males; call of the female is slightly higher pitched than the male’s

Age: once past first year, into the 20’s in the wild; recorded into their 60’s in captivity

Length: 24-30”

Wingspan: 5-7’

Weight: 3,5-9 lbs.

Habitat: rocky outcrops and coniferous forests; hunt in open plains areas; warm deserts; can be found in taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, grasslands

Status: never common; can be considered rare and locally endangered; have been shot and trapped extensively; affected by deforestation

Range: northern Europe through Asia and into northern Africa

Behavior: nests are shallow depressions scratched out on rock ledges or in caves; lay 1-4 eggs at 3-day intervals from the end of February to the end of April, depending on food supply; the female does the majority of the incubating for 31-36 days, while the male hunts; the chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks, but are cared for by the parents for 20-24 weeks; if the next is on the ground they may fledge earlier; swoop down on prey when hunting; can catch prey from the air or the ground, or may be seen plunging into water

Diet: medium sized mammals and birds, like opossums, hares, foxes, ducks, quail, and pheasant; also eat insects and small rodents; roe deer fawns; coastal residents may feed mainly on ducks and seabirds

Vocalization: long, booming “oo-hoooh”; females sometimes make a coarse “kraah” sound during mating season; chicks make the “kraah” sound as well; when threatened they may bark and growl

√ Eurasian eagle owls are the largest owls in the world and have no real predators except electrocution, collision with traffic and shooting

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Xena (Eurasian Eagle Owl)

Xena's Story

Species: Eurasian Eagle Owl
Hatched: 3/18/99

Xena, whose parents are K.C. and Sailor, was hatched at the World Bird Sanctuary's Breeding Facility in Valley Park, Missouri. She was carefully raised and trained by our staff to be part of our Education Department, whose goal is to educate people about the owl species of the world and what an amazing part of the environment they are!

Xena's travels have taken her to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Grants Farm, where she spent the summer of 2000, and hundreds of towns throughout the midwest. Her most amazing journey was to California, where she appeared with Executive Director Walter Crawford and Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, on the Rainbird float in the 2002 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Xena's majestic appearance and calm nature have made her the perfect feature for our annual "Christmas is for the Birds" photo op for the past four years. She sits calmly on our Woodland Santa's glove for photos with children of all ages during this special event.

To adopt Xena, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: XENA. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

Eurasian eagle owl
Bubo Bubo

Description similar to the great horned owl, but much larger; prominent ear tufts are usually laid back; streaked breast, mottled brownish feathers; some have orangish-brown feathers on the face, underparts, wings, and back; orange-yellow or deep fiery orange eyes; adults and juveniles similar in appearance

Sex: coloration the same for both sexes; females larger than males; call of the female is slightly higher pitched than the male’s

Age: once past first year, into the 20’s in the wild; recorded into their 60’s in captivity

Length: 24-30”

Wingspan: 5-7’

Weight: 3,5-9 lbs.

Habitat: rocky outcrops and coniferous forests; hunt in open plains areas; warm deserts; can be found in taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, grasslands

Status: never common; can be considered rare and locally endangered; have been shot and trapped extensively; affected by deforestation

Range: northern Europe through Asia and into northern Africa

Behavior: nests are shallow depressions scratched out on rock ledges or in caves; lay 1-4 eggs at 3-day intervals from the end of February to the end of April, depending on food supply; the female does the majority of the incubating for 31-36 days, while the male hunts; the chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks, but are cared for by the parents for 20-24 weeks; if the next is on the ground they may fledge earlier; swoop down on prey when hunting; can catch prey from the air or the ground, or may be seen plunging into water

Diet: medium sized mammals and birds, like opossums, hares, foxes, ducks, quail, and pheasant; also eat insects and small rodents; roe deer fawns; coastal residents may feed mainly on ducks and seabirds

Vocalization: long, booming “oo-hoooh”; females sometimes make a coarse “kraah” sound during mating season; chicks make the “kraah” sound as well; when threatened they may bark and growl

√ Eurasian eagle owls are the largest owls in the world and have no real predators except electrocution, collision with traffic and shooting

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Yet another Eurasian eagle owl

Here's one of our eagle owl chick examining a tennis ball. He may seem underwhelmed, but tennis balls are a favorite toy. They "hunt" them all over the office.

Showbiz takes practice...

Here you see Hugnin, one of our white naped ravens, working on her act for the Boston show this summer. Hugnin and company have arrived in Boston and will begin regular performances on May 24th at the Stone Zoo. Unlike many performers, Hugnin will work for dog food and praise!

Adopt A Bird spotlight: Frazzle (Eastern Screech Owl)

Frazzle's Story

Species: Eastern Screech Owl
Hatched: Spring 2006

Frazzle was a half grown bird who was found locally. He was brought to the World Bird Sanctuary when it was noted that he had suffered severe eye damage. Upon examination it was found that the eye was severely infected and swollen. After much soul searching it was decided that the only way to save this bird was to remove the eye. This little bird would have died in the wild.

Frazzle is now a happy and healthy member of our Education Department. He resides in our Visitor Information Center where he is extremely popular--especially with the children. He is so popular, in fact, that one child submitted a drawing of a one-eyed bird for a "my favorite bird" drawing contest.

His handlers tell us that Frazzle is very calm and laid back. Who wouldn't be if they were well fed, cared for, and admired on a daily basis?

To adopt Frazzle, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $75 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: FRAZZLE. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

eastern screech owl
Otus asio

Description smallest eared owl in the eastern US; color ranges from grey to brown to reddish, but considered to be found in 2 color phases; gray found mostly in the north; red found mostly in the south; plumage is an excellent example of cryptic camouflage; color pattern of plumage resembles the bark of the trees so closely they are nearly invisible when still; identified by ear tufts and textured coloration

Sex: no visible differences between male and female

Age: up to 13 years

Length: 7-10”

Wingspan: 18-24”

Weight: 5-9 oz.

Habitat: wood lots, heavily wooded regions in rural areas, wooded strips of residential areas

Status: populations currently stable due to it’s ability to adapt to residential areas; often falls victim to vehicle collisions

Range: United States east of the Rocky Mountains and into northeastern Mexico

Behavior: nests in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes or man-made nest boxes; female lays 4-6 eggs that are incubated for 25-27 days; both parents feed the young; owlets leave the nest in about 4 weeks, but will be tended by the parents for another 5-6 weeks; can reproduce at 1 year of age

Diet: mainly insects, small mammals, birds, crayfish and earthworms

Vocalization: call is a long, high pitched, trilling call

√ have been known to visit backyard birdfeeders at night, where they hunt from a perched position then swoop down to catch the mice that come to feed on fallen seed

√ this bird is fond of bathing and has been known to visit backyard birdbaths at night

√ although small, this owl is fearless and has been known to dive at dogs, cats and even humans when defending it’s young.

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Boston is the place to be...

If you are in or around the Stone Zoo this summer, I am jealous! Niles, our Southern Ground Hornbill, is performing in our programs all summer long. I'll spend the summer pining away, but you can go to Boston and be dazzled by his charm. Lucky, lucky you!

Eagle owl medley

Behold the cuteness of the Eurasian eagle owl chicks! In this video you can see them doing what they do best: napping. They like to flop down on their bellies and stretch their legs out behind them. Of all the birds in the world, eagle owls have my favorite feet.

Education Programs: Fur, Feathers & Scales

World Bird Sanctuary is dedicated to interactive, entertaining environmental education. Each year, WBS' Education Department reaches over two million people with an important message of survival. With amazing animals and professional Naturalists, WBS programs are second-to-none.

Our Fur, Feathers & Scales program for children ages pre-school through third grade, includes a visit with some of our friendly critters. Children can see and touch a live bird, mammal and reptile to help them learn the basics of what makes certain animals different from others. This program is great for daycare centers and organizations with active youngsters. It accommodates a maximum of 30 children. The following photographs were taken at one of our Fur, Feathers & Scales programs:

Talking about the different kind of eggs

Meeting one of our Guinea Pigs and talking about what kind of animals

are appropriate as pets

Meeting one of our Cochin chickens

Learning that contrary to popular belief, snakes are not slimy