Seven raptors were released back into the wild at Hatton-McCredie Elementary for the first time during the past week.
The birds were part of the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services' catch and release program. As a part of the program, Dan McMurtry, who works for Wildlife Services, releases birds that have been caught at airports to
avoid damaging planes or injuring birds.
"Birds and airplanes don't mix," McMurtry said. "We keep the friendly skies friendly."
Using goshawk traps that bait the birds, members who have received training and a permit in trapping protected species, like the five red-tailed hawks released at Hatton-McCredie, then tag the raptors and take them away from the airports, sometimes traveling anywhere
from 50 to 100 miles away, McMurtry said.
Wildlife Services removes up to 300 birds a year statewide, he said.
McMurtry took the five hawks and two kestrels to Hatton-McCredie to release them in front of the first and second-grade classes.
"This is bringing in real life conservation in a hands-on way to students," Principal Brian Jobe said.
Before the birds were released, McMurtry discussed conservation with the students and answered students' questions about the birds, safety concerns and about the methods used to protect both birds and planes at airports.
"Everyone likes wildlife and it's rare to see raptors," McMurtry said. "It's a good learning experience for kids as well."
McMurtry has released birds while on his property and at vineyards and other areas in Columbia. This was the first time he has released raptors while on school property.
Although this was the first time for this kind of raptor release, Jobe hopes there will be more opportunities in the future.
"Any time you can bring science to life makes it real for students," he said. "It's one thing to see it in books, it's another to see it in action."