Illinois Raptor CenterIllinois Raptor Center
Education on the Wing
Outreach Educational Programs
Fees from the programs are used to support the mission of the Illinois Raptor Center.
Program fees are based on the number of people in the audience,
number of birds in the program and mileage.
(Average fees for our programs are ranging between $400 and $600 plus mileage.)
Bald and/or Golden Eagle is an additional fee
For a list of programs and their discriptions, please see below.
Each program lasts one full hour unless contracted otherwise.
Most programs have a free-flight demonstration but that is not always guaranteed.
Call Jacques (Jack) at 217-963-6909 for more information.
or E-mail Jack for a program quote here.
(Please allow a few days for your call or E-mail to be returned.)
Wondering what Education on the Wing is all about?
Click the video below for a free sample!
This video is owned by
the Decatur Herald and Review (Herald-Review.com), Decatur, Illinois.
Video by Hugh Sullivan of the Herald and Review
April 30th, 2010 Baum School
Art and Nature Program
(Too see the article and the video, visit the Herald and Review
at http://www.herald-review.com and click on videos and then animals)
(Visit Hugh Sullivan at Http://hughsullivan.wordpress.com/ for more videos
about of the IRC and lots of other really cool videos!)
List Of Available Programs
ART AND NATURE
Artists frequently draw inspiration from nature. The work of John James Audubon lives on today
and continues to have great influence. Many others have crusaded to raise awareness of our
natural treasures through their work as well. Our new "Art and Nature" program will bring up to
three birds of prey into your art classroom to serve as models for young artists. Our volunteer will
present a brief natural history program to introduce your students to the birds before they begin to
draw or paint. The birds are extremely tolerant and will remain perched in your classroom.
Students will be close enough to see them clearly. The best work, as chosen by the art teacher,
may be displayed on our Web site with your permission.
RAPTORS 101
What is a raptor? A bird that eats meat? Is a robin a raptor? Why not? The main purpose
of a Raptors 101 presentation is to help people understand and enjoy the natural world
around them. Raptors 101 provides the basic information needed to identify raptors seen
while driving along the highway, hiking in the woods or cutting the grass in the back yard.
During the presentation, audiences will be introduced to 4 different families of raptors - an owl,
a hawk, a falcon, and an "other". The "other" is a bird that everyone thinks is a raptor but isn't!
We explore size, color, feathers, flying, hunting styles, beaks, feet, talons and adaptations.
Raptors 101 is suitable for all ages. A Bald or Golden Eagle can be added to this presentation.
ILLINOIS DAY SHIFT
Ever wonder what kind of hawk hovers along the highway? Have you ever seen two hawks
dive towards each other in a courtship "sky dance?" How does the vulture defend itself against
predators? This program will give you some insights into hawk and falcon behavior as well
as a close up and personal view of these magnificent sky hunters. For an additional charge,
you can add a Bald and/or Golden eagle to the program.
ILLINOIS NIGHT SHIFT
Owls have always mystified people. Their nocturnal habits keep them out of sight, and out of mind
. Our program will bring them into your classroom or auditorium and give everyone a chance to
see and understand these amazing stealth predators. This is a smaller version of our Owls of Illinois presentation.
OWLS OF ILLINOIS
This is our largest and most popular program! Nowhere else can you see such a variety
of owl species at one time. Up to seven owls accompany us on this program, including
some that are now endangered in the state of Illinois. We cover the natural history of owls
living in or migrating through Illinois.
FALCONS OF ILLINOIS
of the raptor world. Their specialized hunting techniques and calm demeanor will impress any
audience. They will have you watching the skies after the program.
BACK FROM THE BRINK
Many people can name an endangered species from Africa; the black rhino for example.
Others might be able to list a few threatened or endangered species living in the United States;
the spotted owl, the California condor and the Florida panther are a few of the better known
examples. Few, however, realize that some wild animals are in peril right here in Illinois. Meet
some birds of prey that are disappearing from Illinois forever and some that are actually "back from the brink".
EAGLES OF ILLINOIS
People have been inspired by eagles for centuries. Religions, countries, armies and others have
adopted the eagle as their symbol of power. We'll bring eagles (Bald and Golden) to your
location so you can see the power and beauty of these truly magnificent birds of prey. You will
also see other birds of prey that are commonly misidentified as eagles.
ANCIENT FALCONRY IN THE MODERN WORLD
Human have been hunting with birds of prey since 1700 B.C. This program will reveal how the ancient
sport of falconry can still have an impact today. The techniques, equipment and vocabulary we employ
to handle and care for our Wildlife Ambassadors are centuries old. From Ghenghis Khan, who hunted
with trained Golden Eagles, to the peregrine falcon restoration program, see how falconry has touched all of our lives.
HOW TO HELP WITHOUT HURTING
A baby bird is hopping around in your backyard. Is it an orphan? Is it lost? Did it fall out of the tree?
What do you do? Sometimes wildlife encounters can be confusing. Often, well-meaning people
try to raise wild babies with disastrous results. This program teaches the basic natural history of
common wildlife species you are likely to encounter. You will learn how to identify the animal
and determine if it needs help or if it can be left alone. You may be surprised to learn how
well nature can take care of its own.
DISCOVERING NATURE
Boy, have we got a box full of neat stuff for children (preschool to third or fourth grade).
Bones, fur, leaves, and logs. All of the amazing things that we have found in our wildlife
adventures are here. Your group can touch and feel all the items, no problem. Have you
ever seen a hummingbird's feather? We've got one. Hear the stories behind each item,
and view one of our live Wildlife Ambassadors up close. This is an interactive program.
READING PROGRAMS:
The Man Who Called Down Owls by Eve Bunting
Jackie’s Wild Seattle by Will Hobbs
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky
See the Ga'Hoole movie trailer here 
Read Guardians of Ga'Hoole! The movie is due out in September!
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CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS
Your place or ours!
Tell us what you need!
Do you have an environmental topic in mind that we could help you with? Call us.
We would be pleased to help create a program involving our animals and your specific needs.
Please call well in advance to give us time to properly plan your program.