Museum's new "Hunters of the Sky" exhibit highlights birds of prey
February 27, 2007
RALEIGH -- For thousands of years, birds of prey have gripped the human imagination. They have been revered as divine messengers, prized as hunting companions, celebrated as symbols of power, and reviled as scavengers and killers. Enter the world of these amazing birds when “Hunters of the Sky,” the newest special exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, opens Saturday, March 10.
“Hunters” takes a closer look at birds of prey, or “raptors” — eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures — and helps visitors understand them as diverse, charismatic, biologically complex animals. In addition to more than 70 museum-traditional bird mounts, the exhibit includes several interactive portions, including birds-eye-view video footage shot from gliders, a demonstration about the physics of flight, and a “hooting” booth that lets listeners hear and attempt to mimic owl calls. “Hunters” also presents information about controversial bird extinction and preservation issues, but allows visitors to make up their own minds about the debates and to share their opinions through computerized “polling booths.”
Special programming will accompany the exhibit during its 11-week stay.
- Saturday, March 24 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — The NC Falconry Guild presents “The Sport of Falconry,” which highlights the history, equipment and technique of this fascinating sport, as well as live birds.
- Friday, May 4 from 5–9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — The Carolina Raptor Center will bring live birds from its rehabilitation center in Charlotte.
“Hunters of the Sky” runs through Monday, May 28. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors (60+) and students, and $2 for Children 5–11. For more information, call 919.733.7450 or visit www.naturalsciences.org/exhibits/special_exhibits.html. The exhibit comes from the Science Museum of Minnesota and was created in collaboration with The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, and Sun., noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the Web at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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