Snakes and Falcons and Owls, Oh My!

There is something about snakes that fascinates little boys. Our campers love all creatures - creepy, crawly, furry, scaley, etc. - but especially snakes. Because of boys’ tendency to poke around in the woods and catch critters, it is even more important that they are educated on the snakes we have in this area. Boys need to know the risks of snakes, not necessarily because they should be afraid of them, but because they need to know how to identify them and behave around them. During yesterday morning’s educational snake and birds of prey program, Steve Longenecker (SFL), not only taught boys about how to identify snakes and maintain a respectful distance away from them, but he also helped foster the sense of wonder and awe that boys have in their hearts for these creatures.

SFL has been part of Falling Creek community since the 70s, consistently educating boys in wilderness emergency medical aid (WEMA), leading climbing trips, hosting snake and falconry programs with his birds of prey and snakes, and even teaching how to cook his famous fried dough “Longenecker Lumps.” Today’s educational opportunity was his snake and birds of prey program, where SFL teaches boys about native venomous and non venomous snakes in the area, and about some local birds of prey. He cares for a copperhead and a rattlesnake, as well as a Peregrine Falcon and a red phase Eastern Screech Owl, all native to this area. SFL’s goal is to share his knowledge about these animals with the boys, ensuring that they are informed and have an accurate understanding of these creatures.

Once the boys are more informed, they can appreciate and respect snakes and birds of prey for the impressive animals that they are, rather than just being terrified of them, or thinking that venomous snakes are inherently bad. They will also be more educated on what to do if they ever encounter a snake on the trail, and know not to pick it up or play with it. SFL leaves his legacy by instilling a sense of wonder in the boys, and sharing his love for the animals that surround us, all while educating and dispelling myths or misunderstandings.

Almost 50 boys chose to come to his program yesterday morning, opting to join as a special signup during first period. To begin, SFL had the boys sit around the library building (which was named Esefel after him!), and started telling the boys about the birds he was going to show them. Even with so many boys present, it was very quiet, and the boys waited expectantly in silence as he opened the box housing “Gizmo,” the small female screech owl. As soon as he pulled her out, there was a collective “ohh!” as the boys gasped with delight upon seeing the owl. SFL explained why he wore thick falconry gloves to handle the birds, and how they protected against her sharp talons. He also pointed out one of Gizzy’s wings which drooped slightly, and explained that because she had been wounded, she could no longer fly smoothly and silently. The ability to silently hunt is necessary for owls to find their prey, and her inability to do so was the reason she had been brought to a rehabilitation center to help her survive.

As SFL explained this, Gizzy slowly blinked and stared at all the boys surrounding her - the group was absolutely captivated. They still hadn’t seen the next bird though, the magnificent Peregrine Falcon.

Peregrine Falcons are the fastest animal in the world, reaching speeds of 250 miles per hour. They can live all over the United States, but need a high, steep, place to build their nests. Peregrine Falcons eat other birds, and SFL explained how he feeds her a quail every day. Unlike owls who have to worry about being silent, falcons rely on their speed. The falcon on SFL’s arm flapped her wings suddenly, and one of the boys whispered to his friend, “that’s so cool!” Just like the Eastern Screech Owl, this Peregrine Falcon was also no longer able to survive in the wild, so she was in the care of SFL, and helped educate others about the impressive qualities of her species.

Next, the boys learned about the rattlesnake and copperhead. One common misunderstanding that SFL clarified, is the thought that we have native poisonous snakes. If a snake was poisonous, it would harm us if we bit it, but rather we have venomous snakes which could cause harm if we get bit. The two venomous snakes we have in this area are rattlesnakes and copperheads, and SFL brought each so the boys could have a chance to see what they looked like. All the boys marveled at the snakes as SFL spoke.

SFL and Carson (one of our Betula Lineheads and an OSC counselor) carefully unlocked the box and took the snakes out one at a time with the snake tongs, once they were at a safe distance away from the group. SFL explained the different markings on each, and how you could identify them both. He told us about how snakes hunt by sensing heat through the pits on their head and smelling with their tongue. Snakes are deaf, yet can feel vibrations and sense heat to help them hunt. “Why are his eyes blue?” asked one camper about the rattlesnake. SFL explained that he was getting ready to shed his skin, and the extra layer made them appear blue. He also said that each time a rattlesnake molts, they gain a new link in their tail rattle.

This presentation took the full hour of first period, but for the boys it felt like it flew by. They ran off to their next activities for the day, full of new information and a greater appreciation for these creatures. Yesterday was a great final day of activities and trips, and we celebrated with a memorable Evening Program: color war! This is a colorful game where teams tag each other with colored powder, and no one gets away without being covered in colors by the end! We can’t wait to share photos of it soon. Today is our last day at camp already, and we’ll be savoring every moment together!