Raptors of the Desert Sky
Catch fun, engaging demonstrations at the Birds of Prey Center.
Seize this rare opportunity to get a close-up look at some of nature's fiercest predators - owls, hawks and eagles.
Click here for wildlife programs
Spotted
Owls Hatch Chicks!
Two tiny, white, fluffy owlets were born to America's
only northern spotted owls to have bred in captivity,
Polka and Dot, at the High Desert Museum. The chicks
will help in efforts to save this controversial threatened
species. Visitors can see the growing chicks, which
periodically appears from beneath Dot in their nest inside a
re-created forest habitat. Visitors may also see Dot feeding
pieces of mice and chicks to the owlets. Polka is guarding them
from a perch a few feet above the nest. A video monitor aimed
into the nest allows visitors to get a bird's-eye view of this
fascinating and important development. This is an
exhilarating time at the Museum," said President Janeanne A.
Upp. "We are so proud to be the only facility in North America
to have northern spotted owls that have successfully bred in
captivity. That is a testament to the thoughtful and careful
stewardship of the Museum's wildlife program."
"This goes to the heart of our mission of helping our visitors
connect to the wildlife and natural resources of the High
Desert, and become citizen stewards who can make a difference,"
she said. Museum Wildlife Curator Nolan Harvey said, "The
species is close to extinction in British Columbia and overall,
the species in the Northwest is not doing well. A lot is going
against the survival of these birds. For a museum that is not
known for its wildlife collection to be a part of helping
ensure this species' survival speaks to the passion of our
dedicated and experienced staff of six."The chicks may be
released into the wild, or go to the Mountain View Conservation
and Breeding Centre near Fort Langley, British Columbia, where
they would be bred. The Museum plans to give the chicks names
only if they go on to live in captivity. he owls produced
chicks at the Museum in 2003, 2004, and 2005 -- a testament to
the quality of their habitat and care at the Museum.
New! The Porcupine and Fox Share Bird Habitats
Check out how the porcupine and fox are living harmoniously
with birds of prey in outdoor habitats
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