All About Owls, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota

60 minutes

Do all owls hunt at night? Can they really turn their heads all the way around? Why are their eyes so big? Learn the answers to these and other questions about our mysterious friends the owls. Our owl programs are based on Minnesota and national science standards and include a variety of live owls. Learners also see a non-owl raptor such as a hawk or falcon to compare and contrast the unique features of owls with those of other raptors. Participants have the opportunity to debunk some of cultural myths and legends associated with owls and learn about owls’ natural behavior.

The auditorium program is followed by a tour of The Raptor Center and the outdoor housing area, where participants see most of TRC's 31 education raptors and hear some of their exciting stories. (Tours do not go outside during inclement weather and courtyard maintenance.) A variety of hands-on teaching tools, including an owl skull and wing, are used to support this unique learning experience. Owls fascinate and inspire people around the world. Learn what you can do to help them.

Program highlights

• At least one raptor education specialist
• At least three owls, such as a great horned owl, barred owl, eastern screech owl, or barn owl
• Hands–on teaching tools such as feathers, wings, skulls, and feet
• Interactive questions
• Programs can be modified to meet specific learning objectives upon teacher request.
• If requested, this program can be altered to include a hands-on activity such as dissection of owl pellets (additional time and fee required).

A group size between 30 and 100 provides the best educational experience.  Larger groups can be accommodated with some program modifications.

Program prices

Nonprofit organizations

• Three raptors, such as an owl, hawk, and falcon (not including an eagle): $250
• Four raptors, including a bald eagle: $350

For-profit corporations

• Three raptors, such as an owl, hawk, and falcon (not including an eagle): $350
• Four raptors, including a bald eagle: $450

Each additional consecutive program on the same day at the same site: $75 each (up to four programs)

Additional charges will be applied if the program location is more than 50 miles from The Raptor Center.

To schedule this program, contact The Raptor Center education department at 612-624-2756 or raptored@umn.edu.

Interested in owl pellets? Find out more!