This week was much the same as usual, but I did have an exciting moment. Mariah, our American Kestrel, caught a live prey today right in front of me! We don't feed our animals live prey at the Discovery Center, however, we cannot control what they do with the animals/bugs that wander within their walls. Today, a moth about two inches big (it was quite large) found its way into Mariah's enclosure at the exact same time I was in there cleaning on my morning routine (talk about luck!). I had just opened the door when she swooped down from her perch right at me (or so I thought). I backed up quickly, only to have her pass me onto the ground and then fly back to her original spot. At first I was confused, but on closer inspection I saw that she had a moth in one of her talons, which she began to eat.
While I was taken aback by what happened, I'm glad for my luck as it is a truly amazing experience to get to see a wild animal in action, using their instincts to do something that they are not required nor in need of doing when in captivity with everything provided for them. Though to be honest I'm glad it was our little Mariah who soared toward me rather than one of the large falcons! :)
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