Hawks, snakes and bee-bee birds, oh my

The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, a busy venue of kid-friendly activities this coming March.

Submitted photo

The spring break event lineup at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre will feature close encounters with predatory wildlife.

As exciting and scary as that sounds, Wildlife Weeks — March 10-24 — will actually be a rare opportunity for curious kids and adults alike to see these creatures in a controlled environment.

First up on March 13 is Hawk Talk — Birds of Prey. Hold on to your hats as these captivating, non-releasable owls and hawks, residents of the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, stop by the ecology centre.

Did you know red-tailed hawks regularly perch on lamp standards at the top of the Upper Levels Highway between the Lonsdale Avenue and Lynn Valley Road exits?

Scot Kissinger, supervisor at the Lynn Valley Ecology Centre, explains how the highway hawks are just waiting overhead for rodents to snatch up morsels of food tossed from a car. The hawk then swoops down, and the circle of life is on full display.

Back at the ecology centre, these birds of prey will be sitting on perches at the front of a small classroom in a few short weeks. At the end of the educational talk, but only if you tread cautiously, there may be a chance to meet the birds face-to-face.

“But they still have talons,” cautioned Kissinger.

Later in the week, on March 18, visitors to the ecology centre will learn if they have ophidiophobia — a fear of snakes. The Westcoast Society for the Protection and Conservation of Reptiles presents Scales and Coils, a reptile education program.

“You’re either a snake person or you’re not. Or maybe you are not sure if you are. This is great opportunity to ask questions,” said Kissinger.

A variety of reptiles will be on display that day, everything from boa constrictors to various lizards.

Parents of tiny tots should mark their calendars for the Baby Bee-Bee Bird Black Light Puppet Show on March 22.

“That one is super popular,” promised Kissinger. “For the younger kids it’s very visual.”

The baby bee-bee is a noisy bird that keeps the jungle animals awake all night. Ecology centre staff will recreate this scene with puppets and the sounds of the jungle, in a darkened auditorium.

The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre has been offering spring break programs for more than 20 years. Located in the heart of a temperate rainforest in Lynn Canyon Park, the ecology centre offers visitors a chance to connect with the outdoors.

Admission to the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre’s spring break sessions is by donation. More information is available at dnv.org/ecology.