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
April 17: 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.
May 1: Raptor Anatomy, Physiology, and Species-Specific Care
This session will explore the internal and external anatomy of raptors, highlighting how their bodies are adapted for hunting, flight, and survival. Students will learn about key physiological systems such as vision, respiration, and musculature, and how these traits influence rehabilitation. The class will also introduce species-specific considerations in captivity, including behavioral management, health predispositions, and stress indicators. By understanding how different raptors respond to injury and captivity, students will gain insight into how rehabilitators assess treatment plans and release potential.
May 8: 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!
May 10: Field Trip to Ojai Raptor Center: Live Raptor Demonstration
On this immersive field trip, students will observe live demonstrations featuring ORC’s non-releasable raptor ambassadors. Building on their previous session, they will see empowerment training in action as ambassador raptors showcase natural behaviors in the Center’s training aviary. This experience highlights how physical adaptations support each species' survival, reinforcing classroom learning through real-world observation.
May 15: Rehabilitation Techniques and Case Studies
This class will focus on hands-on rehabilitation techniques used to treat injured raptors. Students will learn about common injuries, including broken wings and feather damage, and practice key techniques like wing wrapping and feather imping. Using real-world case studies from ORC’s hospital, students will analyze diagnostics, treatment decisions, and the rehabilitation process, reinforcing their understanding of how anatomy, behavior, and medical care intersect in raptor recovery.
May 15: 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.