The Hawk and the Snowman

Earlier this week, as our wildlife staff went about feeding and caring for our raptors, they got a little distracted by the pristine powder that had fallen overnight. They built a snowman, and couldn't resist putting a falconry glove on it. Jim Dawson, the curator of living collections, prompted Marie, the Harris hawk, to fly to that glove. No photo tricks here. The secret? Jim's son, Sam, was hiding behind the snowman, holding the stick arm, so it would support Marie, who weighs about two-and-a-half pounds.

Marie demonstrates her flying abilities during a special show, Owl Legends, which returns Dec. 26 through 30. She is the only hawk in the show that features Aurora, the Eurasian eagle owl, the world’s largest owl species. You can meet this owl with a six-foot wingspan, along with George the barn owl, Ghost, the great horned owl and William, the tiny screech owl.

You'll explore the legends of these night hunters and discover their true stories as Jim Dawson, a wildlife biologist who has studied raptors around the globe, reveals the science and secrets about these fascinating creatures.

Owl Legends
Dec. 26 through 30
11 am and 1 pm
Members: $5; non-members $7 plus museum admission.
Tickets and information: http://bit.ly/dX8G0p