Temple Hill Academy Scholars Connect Classroom Learning with Birds-of-Prey Visit
Students at Temple Hill Academy met with live Birds-of-Prey from the Ravensbeard Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center.
Ellen Kalish, from the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties New York, visited Temple Hill School with Siena the Red-Tailed Hawk, Hudson the Barred Owl, T-Rex the Kestrel, Spike the Northern Saw-Whet Owl, and a special visit from Opie the Opossum.
Tying in with their current English-Language Arts unit on Youth Activism with DDT and its impact on Peregrine Falcons and other raptors, students learned about the birds' habitats, nesting habits, place in the food chain, and what to do if they were to find an injured raptor. They also learned how raptors, and opossums, help in the balance of nature. They also learned that animals cannot simply be removed from the wild and raised by hand. Unlike "Frightful's Mountain"; those stories seldom work out for the animal.
Charles Byrne, 6th grade ELA Teacher said he "…believes students need to not only read about the impact of pesticides and insecticides of the past but to see up close and personal those impacted by their use. Also, they really made the connection between the illegally kept birds they read about in Frightful's Mountain and meeting two animals that humans raised without proper training or licenses that now cannot be returned to the wild. Sometimes good intentions have bad consequences."
Ravensbeard was the temporary home of "Rocky the Owl," the tiny Screech-Owl that was found inside the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree that was brought to New York City from 170 miles away in Oneonta, New York. Rocky was able to be released back into the wild after being cared for at Ravensbeard. She shared part of the storybooks written about "Rocky".
Students were excited for the opportunity. We are thankful to our partnership with Ravensbeard and the PTO for providing our students with this unique opportunity to experience formerly endangered species.
Photos from the visit can be viewed by clicking this link.
Story and photos provided by Mr. Byrne.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
