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Smithtown Central School District
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"Birds of Prey" lesson at Mt. Pleasant

June 9, 2023

Thirds grade students at Mt. Pleasant Elementary recently had a birds eye view of some beautiful "Birds of Prey" that are indeginous to Long Island.

Tony Valderrama, Environmental Educator visited MTP from Quogue Wildlife Refuge. He arrived with an Eastern Screech Owl, a Red Tailed Hawk, and a Moxie American Kestrel Falcon. Students learned amazing facts about these birds and that they are under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) which prohibits the killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transporting these birds. 

They also discussed many ways we can help these birds live and survive among us.   Students learned the personal history of each native New York animal and why it lives at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, as well as the adaptations that allow these animals to be such incredible hunters.  

Educator with bird teaching

Educator with bird teaching

Educator with bird teaching