Owls are not evil spirits, wise little philosophers or Walt Disney creations. Nor do they wing about carrying messages, despite the way they’re depicted in the Harry Potter books. In fact, owls are probably more misunderstood than any other kind of bird. These are hunting birds, yet their sharp beaks and talons are partly hidden under feathers. Owl have more and softer feathers than other birds, and this unique plumage gives them a plump, rounded look. Add an upright posture and huge eyes set in front like ours, and you have what looks irresistibly like a small, bemused person wearing a fur coat. In reality, owls are superbly adapted nocturnal hunters. This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the dark explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live owls provides the focus of the presentation. For ages 7 and up! Click the link below to register!   https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/wingmaster-eyes-on-owls/  

January Children’s Programs

NEW ENGLAND BIRDS OF PREY with Jim Parks of Wingmasters Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 3 p.m. at Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA Register at: https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/new-england-birds-of-prey-2/ This program is sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library.  The minimum age for registrants is 6-years-old.   Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Birds of prey are also known as raptors, and they are hunting birds characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons (the word raptor comes from a Latin word that means “to seize”). Raptors can also boast the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom. Raptors include hawks, falcons and owls, and this presentation, which incorporates 5 live birds of prey, all native to New England, gives an overview of these different categories. The program is designed to explain predation, the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that WINGMASTERS cares for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future. WINGMASTERS is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed wildlife rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey at their center in Leverett, Massachusetts.  Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these nonreleasable raptors, and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994 WINGMASTERS has presented over 10,000 programs at schools, libraries and museums throughout New England.

Yoga for grades 1 to 5 with Elissa Shoreman from Buddhaful Souls Yoga Studio.  Meet with friends to learning stretching, breathing and mindfulness techniques.  A great introduction or refresher for the elementary school age set.  Tuesday, March 29 from 2:45 to 3:45.  Register here:  https://ipswichlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/yoga-for-grades-2-to-5/

Betsy Diamant-Cohen, one of the creators of this early literacy program has given permission to create Mother Goose videos during the COVID19 shut down.  Mother Goose on the Loose came to the Ipswich Public Library through an LSTA (Library Science Technology Act) grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Laurie Collins and Michelle Guvendiren share their programs here! Send an email to lcollins@ipswichlibrary.org and share your photos and videos of Story Time and Mother Goose participants! Just click on these on demand titles!