So what do you do when you want to know what’s going on, beyond our education system? That's where I come in. This is the very first issue of Bird’s Eye View, an article in which we go out and find some intel on the natural beauty of Park so you can know what’s going on. In today’s edition we’re coming right at you from high above our beautiful campus to deep below the Park pond, so if you're ready to learn about Park’s ecosystem and the amazing wildlife that call this place home, let’s look at things from a Bird’s Eye View. The great horned owl is the poster child when it comes to owls. Standing at 18 to 25 inches tall with a wingspan of five feet, and notorious tufts of feathers on their heads, great horned owls are an icon in the world of owls. But but did you know that we have these magnificent birds nesting on our campus? I had the privilege over the summer of finding a great horned owl perched on a branch. Although hard to see due to their camouflage, I was able to get a glimpse of this magnificent bird of prey. I have also seen and heard reports of owl pellets, so we can confirm they're still here. Although indigenous to this area, these animals are rarely seen by humans; great horned owls choose dense forest to lay their eggs, so the woods within the Park campus are a perfect place for them. The owlets fledge in the fall, and since only one nest is used a year, this may be the last time we see them for a while. Be sure to keep your eyes on the sky and the trees, and keep your ears open - who knows, you might see or hear one if you’re lucky. Speaking of birds of prey, let's move on to another pretty well known raptor—the red-tailed hawk. I’ve heard around campus that people have been hearing bird calls and screeches; some said they thought it was a Have you ever wondered what happens on Park's campus when we aren't around? Maybe we‘ve all gone home for the day, or maybe we’re in the classroom. Either way, it's easy to forget just how incredible the Park ecosystem is since nature likes to keep to itself and tries to keep humanity at arm’s length. A great horned owl spotted by the author in Park's woods. 13
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=