Raptors Keep Audience Enrapt in Brookfarm Park

Schoolmates Evie McGrath, 5, and Alexa Curtis, 4, of Novi covered their eyes tight as they eagerly awaited the appearance of the next bird of prey during a presentation held by Karen Young of Saline.

Ms. Young, who has worked with birds for more than 30 years and is a master falconer in addition to breeding, studying and writing about them, brought five raptors to in Novi Tuesday night, ranging from the common American Kestrel to the Eurasian Eagle owl, the largest of the owl species. 

At times, the eyes of the audience members, more than 40 parents and children, were as wide as the owl's as she described each bird's features and skills.

She told them about the Lanner Hawk's keen eyesight, capable of reading the letters on a penny lying in the grass at the far end of the park, the owl's ability to hear a mouse's squeak a mile away and the Peregrine Falcon's flying abilities, which have been studied by the Air Force in developing its planes.

Parents and children crowded within the small tent housing the birds' cages following her presentation for an even closer look and to learn more about the birds and share their own stories of sightings within the area.

The event was part of Novi's "Take a Child Outside Week" which continues today with a from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the in Novi.