TALK ON THE WILD SIDE, 3rd Grade to Adult
Not able to decide on one of our programs? Then this may be what you’re looking for! Are you most curious about birds of prey? Picture having a visit from a hawk, falcon, owl, and vulture so you not only hear about but see and appreciate the differences between the species! Are you more interested in what you may find locally? Ask about having a skunk, opossum, owl, and porcupine. The possibilities are endless and can be customized to suit your needs by simply checking out our resident animals and contacting our facility to see if they’re available for programs. (3rd grd. to adult. No slideshow)
TINY TALONS, Pre-K to 2nd Grade
When you think “raptor,” what comes to mind? A hawk soaring in the thermals? An eagle scooping fish from the water? For every niche, there is a creature to fill it, and birds of prey are not excluded from this. This is your chance to get to know some of the smaller raptors out there, and to give children the opportunity to discover their kinship with animals and nurture their curiosity for the natural world. Through hands-on experience, children learn what makes a raptor unique among birds. Each presentation includes storytelling, three small birds of prey, plus touchable animal artifacts. (Pre-k to 2nd grd. No slideshow, group only)
HARRY POTTER’S OWLS, 3rd Grade to Adult
What child (or adult, for that matter) has seen the Harry Potter movies and not been enchanted by the owls as they grace the screen? There’s just something about their silent flight and agility that leaves people wanting more! Here’s your chance to meet three fascinating owls firsthand and hear the lore and legend of these mysterious creatures. Program lasts a half hour, and contains all the trimmings a Harry Potter fan could want. (3rd grd. to adult. No slideshow; group or birthday)
EXHIBITS, 3rd Grade to Adult
It seems unassuming enough… a table set up like any other exhibit. However, as you get closer, you realize that there’s more than meets the eye! Hawks, owls, and other residents of Hawk Creek venture out to share their stories of survival and send you off with a feeling of purpose. It’s the perfect opportunity to have one-on-one discussions and present questions to Hawk Creek’s professional naturalists and to observe our awe-inspiring birds of prey! These are ideal for showcases with rotating groups or kiosk presentations at school events, meetings, and fairs.
WALK WITH THE EAGLES, 3rd Grade to Adult
Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime! In this rare opportunity you can have an up-close encounter with our national symbol, the bald eagle, and one of our other eagle ambassadors. We explore their natural history and how the recovery of the bald eagle can now be used to help other eagle species globally. Don’t miss out on the chance to enrich the lives of those at your school, business, or event with our professionally-guided adventure. This is your chance to look an eagle in the eye and know North America’s most powerful avian predators. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly.)
ON-SITE TOURS, Pre-K to Adult
This is your chance to see conservation in action! Come visit our facility and meet some of our residents, including bald eagles, clouded leopard, barn owls, grey fox and more! All tours will be led by one of our naturalists who will share natural histories and personal stories about the animals. The tour is conducted outdoors on a gravel walk, so proper clothing and footwear are a must. (Pre-k to adult. Groups up to 50 per tour, bus parking)
FUR, FEATHERS AND SCALES, Pre-K to 2nd Grade
Looking for a program for younger audiences with a variety of wildlife? Look no further! During this program young explorers will meet a mammal, a bird and a reptile and discover what makes each of these animal groups unique. This program is the perfect introduction to any animal unit to get children excited about wildlife!
SILENT HUNTERS OF THE NIGHT, 3rd Grade to Adult
It’s late at night, and as you’re walking down the street you disturb something in a nearby tree. A flash of white and an eerie scream… a ghost? You know better, but then what? Encounters like this have led to a number of misunderstandings about owls, but with some education, we can reduce the chances of you having those thoughts again. Take this opportunity to meet three elegant nighttime predators and learn about the myths and reality of these silent hunters. Ask about our owl pellet workshops to compliment this program!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, 3rd Grade to Adult
Whether we realize it or not, each and every one of us can make a difference in our world with simple actions. Resident animals at Hawk Creek are living proof of this, and the message that they deliver children is one of caring and understanding. These up-close encounters with wildlife can help excite children about the world they live in, and encourage them to go out and make a difference. This program features three guest appearances by some of our wildlife ambassadors living at the Center and meets character education requirements. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly)
AMAZING ADAPTATIONS, 3rd Grade to Adult
Why does the eagle have stronger feet than any other bird? Do porcupines really shoot their quills? How can a barn owl hear mice from half a mile away? Explore how animals use their adaptations to survive and compete in the wild. We bring live wildlife, touchable animal artifacts, and visuals to the table for a multifaceted presentation. Three live, wild animal ambassadors help tell the story. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly)
MYTHS, MAGIC & MYSTERY OF MAMMALS, 3rd Grade to Adult
Mammals may be the most familiar species to us, but how much do we really know about them? If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what’s hanging out in your backyard, local park, or beyond, then this program is for you! We look at the way animals survive, including some of their amazing adaptations, and dispel the misconceptions surrounding them. Each presentation includes three live mammals, a slide show, and touchable animal artifacts. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group only)
RARE & VANISHING SPECIES, 3rd Grade to Adult
The dodo. Stellar’s sea cow. The Tasmanian tiger. What do these species have in common? Sadly, unless you’re in a museum, you will never have the chance to see them. All organisms are susceptible to extinction, and unless we can learn to work with our environment, the list of those lost will continue to grow. Three rare visitors from our center share their stories and explain their importance to the environment, helping to teach children about the importance of conservation in a world with an ever-growing population and a desire for more “stuff”. (3rd grd to adult. Slides; group or assembly)
BREEDING THE FLYING MOUSETRAP, 3rd Grade to Adult
Have you ever want to make a difference or wondered what you can do to change the future? Taking small steps in life can make a world of difference, and at Hawk Creek, we try and live by this philosophy. We began our barn owl breeding program in 1994 because of a decline in the barn owl populations in WNY. This slide presentation explores the successes and challenges we have faced breeding barn owls and the impact on the future our project may have. A guest appearance will be made by one of our education barn owls. (3rd grd to adult. group or assembly)
BIRTHDAY PARTIES, 3rd Grade to Adult
Cake, ice cream, and wild animals??? Give your child (or treat yourself!) and their friends a truly unique experience by inviting Hawk Creek to the party. Three of our live animal ambassadors make guest appearances for both an educational and captivating presentation sure to thrill kids of all ages. For an additional donation, we provide coloring pages for a coloring contest, three prizes for the contest winners, and a gift for the birthday child! (30 min. program, all ages)
LORD OF THE WINGS, Pre-K to Adult
From Classical antiquity to Medieval times—immerse yourself in the rich history of man’s relationship with birds of prey. In this engaging show featuring live raptors, experience this connection through tales of the ancient art of falconry, learn the role that these great birds have played in our past, and understand why they have fascinated humankind for millennia. Features six live birds of prey. (All ages. No slideshow; assembly only)
TRAINERS APPRENTICE, Pre-K to Adult
Have you ever wondered how a prominent wildlife center works with its animals? Guests directly participate in avian training activities such as free-flying and behavior exercises. See from the inside in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what it means to be one of Hawk Creek’s professional naturalists and animal trainers. (All ages; small groups up to 6 only)