Vins Raptor Center with Bissette

Steve Bissette took us to the Vins Raptor Center last class to have us draw the carnivorous birdies there. Click the link to see more about the place; it was great fun, and I'd encourage a visit if you're interested in big ol' meat-eating birds.


And, of course, I was the obnoxious jerkass flashing the camera in everyone's faces.





Some of the pictures turned out better than others. The next few were tricky because of that big white screen in the back. The lovely Amella brought out five birds for us and as she told us a little about each of them we were given ten to fifteen minutes to draw.

Turkey Vulture


Great Horned Owl


American Kestrel

This species is known for flying high, falling into a dive, exceeding 100mph (I think she said they sometimes get up to 200), knock out their prey in the air, swoop back around and break their prey's neck, and eat them ALL WHILE IN THE AIR.

Red-Tailed Hawk




Eastern Screech Owl


After that we walked around the place for a bit, checking out some of the other birds. I didn't take down any of the names though. Sorry.

















For some reason Vins also had a small frog/reptile exhibit also.

Alex was unimpressed, though his inner left elbow shone with a glorious light.




Dennis and Morgan were mildly interested, as was the top half of Penina's head.


Until, that is, they saw this cool little guy. The picture doesn't do his cool color justice, but believe me, it was cool. Cool Tools.

At least Dennis thought so:



Notice how no one is actually sincerely smiling in any of these photos. Notice the loathing in their eyes:


Loathing for me and my camera.