Coming up on Thursday, August 5, 11:00 a.m. at the Adams Council on Aging, 3 Hoosac Street. The Adams Free Library brings you another Outdoor fun time as part of their “Tails & Tales” Library Summer Reading

Families and children age six and up are invited to register to join the Adams Free Library hosting “Tails and Tales” by Wingmasters, bringing live birds of prey; outdoors at the Adams Council on Aging/Visitors Center, 3 Hoosac Street in Adams. Registration is required (413)743-8345.

Wingmasters raptor programs connect with both meanings. Many raptors, like the American Kestrel falcon, have tails patterned and/or colored differently from their body plumage. The birds use their tails as signaling devices, proclaiming individual and gender identity as well as territoriality. Using live hawks, falcons and owls, and a wealth of visual aids, from molted feathers to informational posters, Wingmasters’ presentations demonstrate how raptors have evolved to communicate on a variety of levels.

They can communicate tales as well. All of Wingmasters’ program birds are nonreleasable, held under educational permits. Many are injured because of interaction with people, others serve as representatives of native species that are under pressure from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. As individuals and as ambassadors for their species, they all have tales to tell.

Wingmasters is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts.

The Kids will get to see five to six live birds of prey (owls, falcons, hawks) that are held under their rehabilitation and education permits. For the birds’ well-being and for the safety of the audience, the raptors are handled only by Julie and Jim, and are under their control at all times. They are never flown for demonstration. Wingmasters’ presentations are designed for students and adults.

Families and children aged six and up are invited to register. An adult must accompany children under 8 years of age. Library events are free and open to the public. Attendance at library programs constitutes consent to be photographed; photos may be used in print or electronic publicity for the Adams Free Library. Questions? Call the Adams Free Library at (413)743-8345 or visit the library’s website www.adamslibraryma.org for more information.

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