Five raptors. Countless stories.
Wildside is permitted through the MI DNR, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and USDA licensed to house our ambassadors — birds who join us at educational programs to teach children and adults about Michigan wildlife.
AMERICAN KESTREL
Einstein
Einstein is a small but mighty American Kestrel — North America's smallest and most colorful falcon. Kestrels are open-country hunters, often seen hovering above Michigan fields.
Did you know?
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Kestrels can see ultraviolet light, helping them track vole trails
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Males and females have strikingly different plumage
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They nest in tree cavities and readily use nest boxes
Role at Wildside
Einstein teaches audiences about grassland raptors and the pressures songbird and rodent populations place on our smallest falcons.
Ambassador · American Kestrel
Barred Owl
Ambassador · Barred Owl
Ripple
Ripple is a Barred Owl — the 'who-cooks-for-you' voice of Michigan's mature forests and wooded swamps. Ripple's dark, expressive eyes make her a favorite at educational programs.
Did you know?
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Barred Owls are one of the few owls with dark eyes rather than yellow
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They hunt frogs, crayfish, small mammals, and even fish
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Old-growth trees with large cavities are essential to their nesting
Role at Wildside
Ripple helps visitors understand the value of mature forests and streamside habitat in Michigan.
Eastern Screech Owl
Henrietta
Henrietta is a pint-sized Eastern Screech Owl. Despite their name, screech owls actually trill and whinny. They come in two color morphs — red and gray — beautifully camouflaged against bark.
Did you know?
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Screech Owls are barely 8 inches tall
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They readily nest in backyard nest boxes
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Their diet includes insects, small rodents, and songbirds
Role at Wildside
Henrietta shows guests how wildlife thrives right in their own neighborhoods when we leave standing trees and safe habitat.
Ambassador · Eastern Screech Owl
Turkey Vulture
Ambassador · Turkey Vulture
Violet
Violet is a Turkey Vulture, one of nature's most important cleanup crews. With an incredible sense of smell and soaring flight, Turkey Vultures help keep ecosystems healthy by safely removing carrion from the environment. Although often misunderstood, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature.
Did you know?
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Turkey Vultures have one of the strongest senses of smell of any bird.
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They can soar for hours without flapping their wings by riding warm air currents.
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Their bald heads help keep them clean while feeding.
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They are harmless to people and rarely hunt live animals.
Role at Wildside
Violet helps visitors discover the important role scavengers play in healthy ecosystems. She encourages people to look beyond appearances and appreciate how every species contributes to the natural world.
Red - tailed Hawk
Chestnut
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of Michigan's most common and recognizable birds of prey. Known for its broad wings, piercing eyes, and distinctive rusty-red tail, this powerful raptor can often be seen soaring high above fields and woodlands in search of small mammals.
Did you know?
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Red-tailed Hawks can spot prey from hundreds of feet in the air.
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Their eyesight is about eight times sharper than a human's.
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They commonly feed on mice, rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals.
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Their famous raspy scream is often used as the sound of eagles in movies and television.
Role at Wildside
Our Red-tailed Hawk helps teach visitors about the important role birds of prey play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through educational programs, this ambassador inspires appreciation for Michigan's native wildlife and encourages people to protect the habitats these magnificent raptors depend on.
Ambassador · Red - tailed Hawk
Retaired Ambassador · Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl
Starry