Education - Second Grade and Loonies

Today is October 1st.  We are half way through the season and our lecture area benches are no longer empty.  I like it when they are full.

We have been teaching many programs to all ages including 5th grade, middle school, college, and adult. Last week, I taught both second graders and a group of retired employees from United Airlines.  I'm not sure which was more fun!

The second graders were great as they guessed what kinds of meat raptors like to eat.  Each guess netted them funny little pictures of mice, grouse, rabbits, robins, snakes, fish, dragonflies and other tasty raptor delights until they were all standing together in front of the class holding up their pictures. Then, there was our song to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.  It starts out with Head, Feathers, Beak and Wings, Beak and Wings...  well, you get the picture.  You'll have to go back to second grade to hear me sing it!

The group of retired United Airlines employees was just as fun.  They go by the name 'Northwoods Loonies', a very apt name for a curious, slightly loony group.  We had a blast.  They were really interested and asked lots of great questions.  Our program went long because we were so into the fun and learning.  I wasn't able to show them a bird during our program, but just as we finished, Margie and Katie had birds at the overlook, so they did get to see a Sharp-shinned Hawk in the hand.

The Northwoods Loonies!

Seeing a bird in the hand.

We still have time slots available before the end of October, so if you have a group that is interested in a private program, just send me an email at gjohnejack@hawkridge.org.

Also, we have owl programs this weekend!   We have a family oriented program on Friday, Oct 4th geared toward families with children under 10 or so.  I'll be reading the book 'Owl Moon' by Jane Yolen, and singing (again!).  Both this program and the one on Saturday the 5th, will include cool owl adaptations, facts, wings, calls and hopefully a visit from a live owl.  These programs start at 8pm at the overlook lecture area. You can get tickets ($5 each, or $20 per family) by calling the overlook at 218-428-6209 any time this week.

See you at the Ridge,

Gail Johnejack
Education Director