Mr. Sprague’s groups did the same activities as Mr. Warner’s group the previous week. But, they were treated to the experience of observing two different scientists working on research projects. Mr. Wnek demonstrated how to tag Diamond Backed Terrapins by inserting a microchip into the body cavity of an old, three legged female, which had crawled into Tony’s shed the day before. As the students were helping record measurements, they were able to watch two biologists from the Division of Fish and Wildlife climb the Peregrine Falcon hacking tower to check on the three chicks in the nest. This was somewhat dangerous as the adult falcons made several passes at the biologists while they were working.
For Jim the highlight of the week came later when he was standing on the marsh with Mr. Sprague’s second group. The students were watching two falcons were sitting on the platform supporting the nest box. They flew off together and began to follow a barn swallow. For the next two minutes these falcons took turns diving at the bird. Finally as the swallow grew tired, one of the falcons went into a short stoop and knocked the swallow to the ground. A short time later both falcons returned to the nest. One carried the swallow and fed it to the chicks. While this sighting seemed some-what gruesome to some, all the students appreciated the fact survival for birds-of-prey means death for other animals.
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