Students teaching students at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

On June 30, 2022, three of this summer’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station interns were able to lead their fellow students around on a tour of the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Summer researchers carpooled over to the Sanctuary after-hours to be welcomed by interns Marie, Alex, and Ezra. 

Waterfowl and birds of prey

The students were broken into two groups, the ‘Birds of Prey’ group and the ‘Waterfowl’ group. Ezra swooped in and took the ‘Waterfowl’ group to the Resource Center to pick up some buckets of corn, while Alex took the ‘Birds of Prey’ group on a walking tour toward the raptors. 

The ‘Waterfowl’ group was able to observe the waterfowl that live at the Sanctuary, including geese, ducks, and swans. The students fed the waterfowl with dried corn from the Sanctuary store and then headed to the Overlook to begin working on crafts. 

The ‘Birds of Prey’ group was led to the raptors and took a lap around the raptor pens. Alex introduced the group to each of the raptors. Students were able to take photos in the eagle nest replica and observe the rats, mice and chicks that that had just been given to the raptors. Many of the students were surprised that the birds were fed chicks!

In the middle of the raptor tour, Marie and Brenden gave a quick presentation with Toby, the ambassador red-tailed hawk. Brenden held Toby on the glove, and Marie was able to present a history on Toby’s time at KBS, as well as a general overview of red-tailed hawks. After their presentation, the ‘Birds of Prey’ group was led to the Overlook to join in on the craft. 

Once both groups had met at the Overlook, Ezra explained the craft that everyone was going to make. Students traced and cut out their hands to make the feathers of a swan or goose, and were then able to decorate their new bird friend. Each student was photographed with their craft and then all enjoyed popsicles and ice cream sandwiches looking out over Wintergreen Lake. 

After the completion of crafts, the groups traded leaders and were able to learn about the opposite group of birds. Both groups completed their tours and finished the night off at the game bird display. Students took a walk around the pen and were able to ask questions about each of the birds. 

Lastly, the group trekked on to the Sanctuary store to look around at the merchandise and make a few purchases. The students took off in the vans back to main campus with their crafts in hand and new knowledge.

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This article was written by Alex Sills, the 2022 KBS external communications intern.
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