Raptors take flight at the Socorro Library

On June 12 the Socorro Public Library was anything but quiet as over 50 children and adults gathered for a captivating wildlife education program hosted by Hawks Aloft, a nonprofit dedicated to raptor rescue, education, and conservation. Leading the presentation were seasoned wildlife specialists Evelyn McGarry and Liz Roberts, who brought along three avian ambassadors that stole the show, and entranced the children gathered at their feet.

The volunteers showcased some of the organization’s permanent resident birds, raptors who can no longer survive in the wild due to injuries, but who now play a vital role in community outreach.

Among the feathered stars was Celeste, a serene barn owl with a wing injury that left her unable to fly. Roberts shared fascinating insights into barn owl adaptations, from their soundless flight to their triangulated hearing that enables them to locate prey in complete darkness, even having the ability to catch prey in deep snow, “They can hunt like little voles and they can catch it in awful deep snow without even seeing it, because they can hear it.” She highlighted how their front white feathers are actually camouflage when they are flying, while their back feathers help them to blend into trees or fields where their prey can be found.

Azulito, or “little blue”, an American kestrel, showed off his striking plumage, a beautiful combination of blue-gray and rust, and offered the perfect segue into hunting techniques like kiting. His wing injury prevents him from thriving in the wild, but his presence provides a powerful reminder of the hazards birds face, especially those linked to human activity. McGarry outlined many of these human-made obstacles that could harm these birds, “ It could be being hit by a car, or running into a window or wall, but in this case we think this bird was maybe hunting and struck by a passing car.”

The final avian guest, Flash, a peregrine falcon, left the audience wide-eyed as Roberts described how these birds can exceed 240 mph when diving for prey, making them the fastest animals on Earth. Flash’s own injuries had once threatened his survival, but after rehabilitation, he now plays a superhero role of his own teaching audiences about strength, speed, and adaptation. One of the children announced that peregrine falcons were their favorite animal, and their excitement shone in their eyes as they got to be up close and personal with Flash.

Throughout the program, Evelyn and Roberts wove in deeper messages about conservation, encouraging attendees to volunteer with their Raptor Rescue program or sign up for Hawks Aloft’s free monthly newsletter. “Even helping transport an injured bird can make a difference,” Roberts explained. Hawks Aloft provides help for rehabilitation for birds of prey throughout the state.

As the birds returned to their carriers and children whispered their final farewells. Hands shot up as many children wanted to continue asking the volunteers questions about these fascinating birds.

This educational program is designed especially for Title I schools as well as families in areas with limited access to environmental education.