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

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less