A volunteer with the Sutton Avian Research Center discusses the role birds play in the natural world.

School children get an upclose look at our feathered friends.

Sutton Avain Research Center brought out a surprise guest at the end of the presentation.

TREES, the refuge friends group for Tishomingo NWR, hosted the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center's new educational program "It's All About Birds" on September 27^th & 28^th.  The program involves live, trained birds that fly down to the stage, over the audience, and interact with members of the audience. The free-flight bird show is intended to educate, entertain, inspire, and awe school children. The program is accompanied by projected videos and music. It illustrates environmental conservation principles in a manner that is not only very entertaining but is also educational.

The program also fulfills Oklahoma's state Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) objectives. PASS, adopted by the State Board of Education, set forth the basic skills required for Oklahoma student curriculum. These guidelines are meant to be used by educators in developing appropriate curriculum (including field trips) for students.

"It's All About Birds" program is designed to help inform students as well as the public about the role birds play in the natural world. A total of 1800 school children visited Murray State College for the presentation.