RAPTOR DISCOVERY EDUCATION DAYS
2007

Interested in the 2008 Raptor Discovery Days?  - January 30, 31 and February 1, 2008

Flyer

Registration Form

These student-oriented discovery days were held prior to the Cumberland County Eagle Festival as a way to increase community awareness and involvement in learning how special the Delaware Bayshore habitats are to wintering raptors.  This program was funded by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority and NJAS's Nature Center of Cape May took a lead role in planning and organizing these two very successful days. 

Students in 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grades spent part of their day at the Natural Lands Trust Peek Preserve looking for raptors and learning about Bayshore ecology.  With volunteers from Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Tributaries, Inc. and the Natural Lands Trust children got to peer through telescopes at eagles, hawks and various ducks.  The other half of the day was spent in activities at the Mauricetown Fire Hall.  Students “migrated” like raptors using an adaptation of Eventful Journey, a lesson from Bridges to the Natural World; Cumberland County Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff helped small groups of students build a bird giving insight into avian adaptation and staff from Woodford Cedar Run Nature Center provided a live bird program.

The 2007 Raptor Discovery Days was expanded to three days to better serve Cumberland County students in grades 3, 4 and 5.  Students in Grade 3 learned how raptors and other birds of prey were different from other birds. Fourth grade students explored raptor habitats and ecology: what makes an area suitable for these birds and how do they fit in to the whole scheme of things. Fifth grade students learned about raptor conservation, what obstacles these birds face and how are scientists trying to help them.  All students participated in outdoor field sessions to see raptors in their natural habitats.

Children learn about raptor adaptations by dressing up.	A glimpse of a flying squirrel becomes a real treat...even though raptors were the focus of the field trip!	Using spotting scopes enhances the raptor viewing experience

Special thanks are given to the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, The Tabitha Foundation and an anonymous donor for providing funds to support the 2007 Raptor Discovery Days.

Teachers who are interested in registering their class for participation in the 2008 Raptor Discovery Days should contact Sue Slotterback at the Nature Center of Cape May for an application (609-898-8848).

For additional information, call, write or email
 NJAS Department of Education
 Center for Research and Education
 600 Route 47 North
 Cape May Court House, NJ  08210
  (609) 861-0700  

New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is a statewide, not-for-profit, membership organization committed to preserving New Jersey’s habitats and species biodiversity.  We invite your support through membership and participation in our programs.