ANDOVER — Feathered friends spread their wings and perched in the limelight Saturday morning as folks got an up-close glimpse of three different raptors found in the skies above the Merrimack Valley.
Families flocked to the Andover Police Department Saturday for “Radical Raptors,” a free informational session hosted by Tailwinds: Education and Conservation, in partnership with Andover Animal Control. The program offered folks an opportunity to learn more about the “fascinating world of raptors,” or carnivorous birds of prey, through a trio of live animal ambassadors and hands-on learning.
Tailwinds, a Kensington, New Hampshire–based nonprofit, brought three of its rescued birds to the event: George, a barred owl; Phoenix, a red-tailed hawk; and Greta, a turkey vulture. The organization recruits non-releasable birds to its team, and the raptors receive lifelong care while serving as part of the group’s educational efforts.
Tailwinds educators Anna Gagnon and Sarah Kern led the lesson, with Kern telling all about each bird’s habits, adaptations, and role in the ecosystem while Gagnon moved gracefully throughout the room with the creature perched on her arm.
Attendees filled the seats before the program began, eager to see the feathered guests. At the front of the room, three covered cages rested, marked with bright yellow stickers that read “BIRD INSIDE.” Occasional pecking sounds hinted at the winged friends waiting their turn with the crowd.
Gagnon, who wore a falconry glove, carefully removed the birds from their cages individually, allowing the crowd to spot their wingspans, feather patterns, and behavior — and occasionally a glimpse of a bird dropping waste onto the carpet, drawing laughter from some of the younger crowd.
George, the barred owl, was the first to spread his wings. Gagnon tiptoed the head-turning raptor slowly through the room, giving the crowd a close look at his chocolate-brown eyes and white-dotted feathers. He swiveled his head, scanning the audience, shooting a glare back at the awed spectators.
As Gagnon held him steady, Kern shared facts about George, including that he eats one to two mice a day and the complexity of his eyes.
“He’s staring at you with those big old eyes that take up about a third of his skull,” Kern said.
Tailwinds passed around models of wings and talons corresponding to each bird, allowing attendees to feel the texture of feathers and the sharp curve of claws.
Phoenix, the red-tailed hawk, was next to take the spotlight. Kern had offered a caution to the crowd beforehand, though.
“Please do not reach out and touch them… You’ll all of a sudden feel or see your hands reaching out, like an out-of-body experience, reaching for the bird,” Kern said, getting chuckles from the audience.
“He bites,” Gagnon added.
Phoenix repeatedly flapped her wings in attempts to lift off from the glove. Though tethered, each effort produced an audible whoosh as she hovered inches above Gagnon’s arm.
Kern explained the importance of the hawk’s feathers and tail, noting that the tail is “imperative for their survival,” helping with balance and landings.
Greta, the turkey vulture, was the final bird to emerge. With her wings nearly always outstretched, she displayed an impressive wingspan, long gray feathers, a red face and a pointed, piercing beak. Greta made a few attempts to fly off as well, testing the limits of her perch.
Kern shared a fact that was a little less glamorous about vultures, drawing audible reactions from the youths.
“They poop and pee on their legs to cool down,” Kern said, prompting a chorus of “eww” from the crowd. “Aren’t you glad you’re not a vulture,” she added.
Throughout the program, the educators emphasized the ecological importance of raptors and what folks can do to help protect them and their habitats.
Tailwinds became an official nonprofit last year — a major milestone for the organization as it expands its education and conservation network.