Ojai Raptor Center + Ojai Youth Foundation
Raptor Science & Conservation Series
Fall Syllabus
October 1: Course Introduction: Exploring Raptors & Wildlife Rehabilitation
In this introductory session, students will be introduced to the work of the Ojai Raptor Center and the field of wildlife rehabilitation. This class will outline the course's goals and topics while gauging students' learning objectives and prior knowledge of raptors. Students will engage in a group discussion to explore the importance of raptors in the ecosystem, the role of wildlife rehabilitators, and what to expect from the hands-on activities throughout the course.
October 8: Intro to Raptor Taxonomy: Families, Form, and Flight
This program introduces students to the fascinating world of raptor taxonomy by exploring the unique forms, flight styles, and family groupings of raptors. Through an engaging multimedia presentation and hands-on access to biofacts like taxidermy mounts, study skins, wings, and feet, students will gain a deeper understanding of the structural and behavioral traits that define the 25 raptor species found in Ventura County
October 15: All About Owls: Taxonomy, Adaptations, and Identification
In this session, students will dive into the unique taxonomy of owls, understanding how they differ from other raptors and what sets them apart in the avian world. Students will explore sensory adaptations and hunting behaviors, along with learning how to identify local owl species through both visual markers and vocalizations. Hands-on biofacts will help students explore physical and behavioral traits.
October 22: Raptor Migration: Patterns, Challenges, and Conservation
During this session, a field trip to the nearby Ojai Meadows Preserve will give students the opportunity to identify raptor species in the wild. They will practice birdwatching techniques and field note-taking. A guided discussion will focus on the migratory journeys of various raptor species and the ecological challenges they face during migration. Students will reflect on how both environmental and human factors influence these migrations.
October 26: Field Trip to Ojai Raptor Center: Live Raptor Demonstration
In this immersive field trip, students will witness live demonstrations of ORC’s non-releasable raptor ambassadors. The visit will provide an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge by observing live birds of prey perform natural behaviors in the Center’s training aviary, showing how their physical adaptations support their species survival.
October 29: Bird Banding and Conservation Research with Rainey Barton, Biologist
This class will introduce students to the scientific importance of bird banding in avian research. They will learn how banding provides critical data for tracking raptor populations, migration patterns, and the impact of environmental changes. Led by biologist Rainey Barton, students will participate in a demonstration and discuss how conservation research connects to broader wildlife management efforts.
Spring Syllabus
Date TBA: Introduction to Raptor Anatomy and Physiology
This session will delve into the fascinating internal and external anatomy of raptors, showcasing how their bodies have evolved for hunting, flight, and survival. Students will learn about the physiology of raptor vision, respiratory systems, and musculature. The class will explore how these physical traits are considered during the rehabilitation process, highlighting the unique challenges and approaches used to care for injured raptors.
Date TBA: Rehabilitation Techniques: Wing Wrapping, Feather Imping, and Case Studies
Students will gain an introductory understanding of some of the techniques used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators to care for injured raptors. The class will cover common injuries such as broken wings and feather damage, with hands-on activities like wing wrapping and feather imping. Real-world patient cases provided by ORC’s hospital along with diagnostics will be analyzed to better understand the challenges and successes in returning raptors to the wild.
Date TBA: Species Identification and Behavioral Management in Captivity
This session will explore how wildlife rehabilitators manage different raptor species in captivity, focusing on behaviors, health predispositions, and species-specific care needs. Students will learn how to identify behavioral indicators of stress or illness in captive raptors and discuss the criteria for release. This class will provide an opportunity for students to observe how these insights guide rehabilitation protocols.
Date TBA: Falconry and Raptor Rehabilitation with Lord Forde, Master Falconer
In this engaging session, students will be introduced to the ancient practice of falconry and its relevance to modern raptor rehabilitation. Falconer Lord Forde will explain how falconry techniques are used to assess and condition raptors post-injury for a successful reintroduction to the wild, with a focus on the species Peregrine Falcon. A live falconry demonstration will provide students with a firsthand look at the practice.
Date TBA: Avian Training Techniques and Behavioral Theories with Kim Lundy, ORC Lead Trainer
This class will explore the principles of avian behavior and training, with an emphasis on choice and empowerment. Students will learn how these techniques are applied to improve animal welfare and ambassador training. Students will be invited to play the interactive "training game," which will help them better understand how shaping behavior works with raptors and other animals -including humans!
Date TBA: Special Topic: Conservation, Advocacy, and Community Engagement
This flexible session will focus on a special topic determined by student interest. Possible topics could include local conservation challenges, advocacy for raptor habitats, or career paths in wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife biology, and environmental education.