SuperbOwl

And other raptors…

Super Bowl Sunday was an exciting and fun adventure with Feathers and Fermentation in central Indiana, a quarterly event that offers the joy of adult beverages from Ash & Elm in downtown Indianapolis with libacious cider tasting, followed by a fun-filled tour bus to a park, preserve, or other nature setting. Once there, attendees observe birds with an expert ornithologist. The groups are always friendly and fun!

Together, we had the pleasure of visiting Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center. The Ornithology Center is home to several Raptor Ambassadors. These birds are permanently injured, non-releasable birds of prey including hawks, vultures, falcons, and owls.

One takeaway I want to share here on Oblitterate is an important tip for those of you who travel along roads. Throwing out scraps of biodegradable foods from our vehicles might seem harmless, but this is far from the truth. When you throw an apple core, banana peel, or other food item out your window to land amid the traffic, remember that rodents and other critters are eager to feast upon your leftovers. Who else is affected? Birds of prey, who spot these hungry roadside dwellers, often swoop down for their own meal, a two-for-one deal. But unfortunately, oncoming motorists are all too common as well.

Yes, this is a pervasive threat to wildlife. It’s not just you, it’s others too. Please protect our birds of prey – don’t throw your litter as you drive away.