| Owl
expert visits 5th and 6th graders
Mr. Craig Johnson the “Owl Expert” from the BLM visited the 5th and 6th grade science classes at Prairie Elementary. Prior to his visit the students studied owls from 6 continents and learned about their behaviors, anatomy and habitats. At the conclusion of the unit the students dissected owl pellets. They had a great time finding skulls and bones within the compacted pellets. Pellets are not owl poop as most people think but rather it is the indigestible material left in the gizzard such as teeth, skulls, claws, and feathers that are too dangerous to pass through the rest of the owl's digestive tract. To safely excrete this material, the owl's gizzard compacts it into a tight pellet that the owl regurgitates. Mr. Johnson talked about Idaho Owls and the important role they play in the environment. He brought in a beautiful taxidermy Great Horned Owl. He explained that if you ever come across a raptor bird that has been killed you must get special permission to remove it from place. This taxidermy owl is set up as an educational model. A challenging question and answer session rounded out the visit with the students trying to stump Mr. Johnson with some impressive questions. The students and Mrs. Sonnen would like to thank Craig for sharing his time and expertise on these birds of prey. 
5th grade class with Craig Johnson, the Owl Expert. 
Tayler Riener, Ravin Cronan, Isabella Walsh and Noah Behler show off their painted covers for their owl research books. In the middle is Craig Johnson of the BLM. Photos by Colleen Sonnen. |
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