adventure

FASTEST RAPTOR IN THE WEST!

We’re off to meet the fastest raptor in the west- actually in all of the world! This falcon can reach unimaginable speeds! So let’s meet them before they fly off!

Peregrine Falcon Fun Facts:

• Peregrine falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica.  They can be found in varying habitats including coasts, deserts and urban areas.
• They can grow up to 19 inches long with a 3 1/2 foot wingspan. They can up to 3 1/2 lbs.
• Peregrine falcons are carnivores. They eat other birds like pigeons and shorebirds.
• Peregrine falcons are known for their agile acrobatic flying skills. They can go in to steep dives called stoops to catch their prey.
• They can reach speeds of up to 200 mph. Their average speed is 23-34 mph.

• Some peregrine falcons migrate from the Arctic tundra all the way to South America, up to 15,500 miles in a year.
• Peregrine falcons nest up high on cliffs, towers and skyscrapers.
• You can even watch a peregrine falcons in their nest during season at The Peregrine Fund.

Peregrine falcons were severely threatened in the U.S. many years ago do to the DDT use and habitat loss. Like our friend the bald eagle, they are now listed as least concern after making a big come back!

BALD EAGLE APPRECIATION DAY!

We’re so excited to celebrate the amazing symbol of the United States. These amazing raptors are one of our favorite birds! Come learn more about the Bald Eagle!

Fun Facts:

• Bald eagles habitat range is North America in woodlands, marshes and bodies of water.
• Bald eagles are carnivores. They eat fish, small birds and carrion.
• They can grow up to 38″ and weigh up to 14lbs.
• They are listed as least concern.
• They have a wingspan of up to 8 ¼ feet.
• Bald Eagles mate for life. They reinforce their pair bonds with spectacular flights that they do together.
• Bonded pairs build their large nests. Both female and male eagles rear the chicks.

• Bald Eagles have excellent eyesight.
• They can live for up to 28 years!
• Bald eagles don’t develop their white head feathers until around the age of 5!
• Bald Eagles have been the National Bird of the U.S.  since 1782.

We just love Bald Eagles and think they make a fine national bird! They are so regal. Unfortunately we almost lost these birds to pollution and habitat loss and they were near extinction in the mid 1900s. After much human effort to save them they are now living in almost every state! YAY!!!

Raptor Down Under

As you learned yesterday we are talking about raptors this week! Today is also Australia Day, so we decided to combine our celebrations and meet a gorgeous bird of prey from Australia!

• White-bellied sea eagle can be 35 inches long, weight 10 lbs with a wingspan of over 7 ft.
• They are carnivores. They eat sea snakes, fish and turtles and carrion. They are known to steal prey from other birds.
• White-bellied sea eagles live in coastal areas.
• They mate for life.
• Before mating, a pair does amazing acrobatic displays while flying together.
• They can be territorial.
• White-bellied sea eagles holds it wings in a v shape when flying.

• They are known for their loud honking call that sounds like a goose.
• White-bellied sea eagles can live for up to 30 years.

These gorgeous eagles are so fun to watch fly and catch fish! We have a special little Australia Day Bonus for you too- a koala coloring sheet!

PENGUIN APPRECIATION DAY!

• There are 18 species of penguins in the world.
• All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Only 8 species of penguins actually live in cold climates.

• • Fossilized penguins have been found that are 58 million years old.
  • Penguins do not have teeth. They have barbs on their tongue and throat.
  • Penguin wings are called flippers.

• • The Emperor Penguin is the largest species.
  • The Fairy Penguin is the smallest species.
  • Penguins live in colonies.
  • Penguins are marine birds. They spend 75% of their life at sea.
  • Penguins have up to 70 feathers per square inch.
  • Penguins have excellent hearing.
  • Emperor Penguins can stay under water for up to 15 minutes.