Learning about birds of prey at David M. Hunt Library

Wendy Miller and her avian teacher’s assistant, Bob the American kestrel, taught guests about birds of prey at David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, Jan. 2.

Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Learning about birds of prey at David M. Hunt Library

FALLS VILLAGE — Wendy Miller from Sharon Audubon Center dropped by the David M. Hunt Library Tuesday, Jan. 2.

She brought Bob, an American kestrel, and a couple of his friends: a red-tailed hawk and a turkey vulture.

Miller explained that Bob is not an injured bird, as are almost all of the permanent avian residents at the center.

Rather, Bob is “imprinted,” or raised as a pet.

“He thinks he’s a person.”

Miller said Bob is similar to a hawk but smaller and “built for speed.”

Kestrels eat dragonflies and other insects. This is a diet that requires a certain amount of airborne agility, dragonflies being elusive creatures.

Kestrels also enjoy exceptional night vision, which allows them to feast on nocturnal animals such as voles.

Prior to bringing out the birds, Miller gave the crowd of a dozen children and 16 adults a quick primer on birds of prey.

They are distinguished from other birds by their talons, “which act like a fork.”

Their curved beaks serve as the knife.

Birds of prey are mostly carnivorous, dragonflies notwithstanding, Miller said.

“So if you see one at the bird feeder, it’s visiting for the squirrel that eats the bird seed.”

Latest News

Paul Winter to celebrate the winter solstice at Saint James Place

The Paul Winter Consort will perform at St. James Cathedral in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Saturday, Dec. 21.

Photo by Matthew Muise

Seven-time Grammy winning saxophonist Paul Winter, with the Paul Winter Consort, will return to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, with sold out shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

A uniquely intimate solstice celebration, in contrast to the large-scale productions done for many years in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York, it promises to deliver everything audiences have come to love and expect.

Keep ReadingShow less
Developers withdraw application to expand Wake Robin Inn

Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.

Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — Aradev LLC has withdrawn its application to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

In a letter submitted to P&Z Chair Michael Klemens on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, law outfit Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP announced its client’s withdrawal.

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan antique mall fills resale niche

The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.

Photo by Robin Roraback

NORTH CANAAN — The 403 Group Antique Market is “A hidden secret, a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive,” said Carey Field, who has a booth called “Wild Turkey” there.

“It’s a really fun group of dealers,” Field said. “A really eclectic group of antiques and the prices are reasonable.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Shooting the breeze with Christopher Little

Martin Tandler

Little with his dog, Ruby.

"What I really feel lucky about is having had the chance to meet and photograph so many people who had a real impact on our lives,” said Christopher Little whose new memoir, “Shooting the Breeze: Memories of a Photojournalist” was just released. The book is as eclectic and colorful as the man himself and offers an intimate look into Little’s globe-trotting career spent behind the lens, capturing some of the most iconic figures, events, and human stories of the past half-century.

In 2021, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas acquired Little’s photographic archive.

Keep ReadingShow less