This is Whitney's second year presenting this program here at Harrison Hall. Her mother works for Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, and hence the idea for a program was born. Because Harrison Hall is home to an Animalia Learning Community, it was an ideal chance for those residents who rarely get to see the animals with which they might work in the near future.

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How many of us can say we've seen a Red Tailed Hawk up close and personal? A barn owl take flight in our dining hall? How about a Bald Eagle feed on a mouse not five feet away from us? Well, unless we have attended a program, such as Birds of Prey, chances are slim to none! The Birds of Prey program was an excellent way to introduce residents to the raptor population of the Mid-West. The kind people of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky volunteered their services, as well as a three-hour car trip, to bring these fascinating birds here to Harrison so we might learn more about them. Participants were informed of species traits, how to tell them apart, and what to do if we ever find one in our back yards or injured by the road. Apart from being extremely informative, it was also a great experience and a really fun time!

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The goals of this program were to educate the audience of the proper techniques of saving these spectacular creatures from a fate of human imprinting or death if they are taken in as household pets. While it may seem like a crazy idea to some to try and keep a Turkey Vulture as a pet, we were informed that as babies, they are quite cute and cuddly, and not at all an unfamiliar happening to have one turned into the Rehab center from a person who tried to keep it as a pet. Also, who wouldn't want an adorable little Screech Owl, which looks almost identical to those little Furby dolls from years ago, to have as a pet? The goals were more than met, as not only was it educational, but exciting as well.

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Apart from the 75+ photos taken by the RA staff, this program had a lasting impact on those involved. Participants have talked about it for weeks since the event! There is something very uniting about seeing a Bald Eagle, America's great national symbol, live and in person. Also, the audience now knows what to do in the event that one of these raptors is found injured or in a home attic. Keeping them as pets is a definite no-no, while calling the proper authorities is always the right step! It is fortunate that there are rehab centers close by, such as the one that presented the program.

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This program was spectacular! The host Resident Assistants even purchased animal-themed snacks for the event, from Discovery Channel fruit snacks to Goldfish crackers! Also, the different aspects of learning were instilled in an extremely fascinating arena, instead of a boring classroom-type lecture. Participants were able to see the birds from every angle, and also see many of them take flight. We even saw a Red-Tailed Hawk use its defense mechanism. Birds of Prey was an evening not soon forgotten by those who participated, and the lessons learned may just be what it takes to prevent the Bald Eagle and creatures like it from becoming endangered once again.

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This program could easily be adapted at other campuses! All one need do is contact the proper channels at a Raptor Rehabilitation center, such as the one in Louisville, Kentucky, for a free demonstration of these fabulous creatures. Of course, Harrison Hall made a contribution to the center for their time, effort, and travels to Purdue, but it was not mandatory. Also, we did spend a small sum of money on snacks, which were fun, but again, not necessary. It would be an excellent way to educate residents on what to do in the event they come face to face with one of these raptors!

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