Birds of feather flock together

calmyard022: The new ambassador birds of prey mews feature a “weathering yard,” concrete sidewalks and large individual wooden enclosures to house seven birds. �Grants and private contributions have made it possible for the California Living Museum's (CALM) ambassador birds of prey to nest in their own private digs. CALM calls them mews, and Webster's dictionary defines mews as “a cage for hawks, especially when molting -- a secret place: hideaway -- a small street behind a residential street that contains small apartments.” CALM's mews fit all three definitions.

Over a two month period, seven mews were constructed to house a peregrine falcon, Harris hawk, red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, barn owl and two American kestrels (housed together) leaving a vacancy for an as yet undecided tenant. Funding for the project came from a grant provided by the Kern County Wildlife Commission and private donations from the Harry and Ethel West and Ben H. and Gladys Arkelian foundations.

Just as the definition implies, each bird is housed in a private “apartment” in a small neighborhood off the zoo's visitor pathways. They are 12-by-8 foot wooden enclosures that are connected by concrete sidewalks that lead up to each door. Inside the mews is a small entry way for handlers and their equipment. Another entrance leads into the birds' living area.

The mews were built for comfort and safety. Construction included a water line for misters and electrical lines for fans and lights. Criss-cross metal caging across two windows provides the birds with sunlight and safety.

In addition, the birds have kind of a park just outside their front doors. It is a grassy, screened in area known as the “weathering yard.” Each day, in good weather, they are brought out to stretch their feet and wings and work with their handlers without the worry of being harmed by natural predators.

“These are our ambassador animals and as such are off display to the general public so that they may be hand trained for special events, educational visits to schools and other community activities,” said Rick Hewett, CALM director. “Their mews were built according to Fish and Wildlife specifications. One thing to keep in mind is that these are birds that because of a physical disability or lack of exposure to their natural environment would not be able to survive outside of CALM.”

Hewett said there are future plans for more construction at the ever evolving CALM. Soon work will begin on a coyote den. Coyotes will be moved into the den, as needed, for medical attention, care and to clean their permanent CALM habitat.

For more information about CALM on the Internet go to http://www.calmzoo.org.
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