Hungry hawk fascinates kids at Ela library

Children gasped and laughed as a red-tailed hawk named Jack fed on a small dead mouse the falconer gave to the hunting bird Monday at the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich.

More than 60 children, parents and caregivers learned about birds of prey from Mark Booth, of Take Flight! Wildlife Education, while the falconer showcased several birds.

"I work with birds of prey and they have been thought to be cool for thousands of years. They were particularly a big deal during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance when falconry and the hunting with birds of prey was a very big social deal," Booth said as he put on a heavy glove to hold the birds during the show.

Booth, who calls himself the "Royal Falconer," exhibited a red-tailed hawk, kestrel falcon and peregrine falcon as he introduced the audience to the history and habits of the various birds of prey.

"It was good for my older kids. They enjoyed learning about the different birds," said Julie Garrow of Lake Zurich who brought her children Anna, 8, Evan, 4, and Kara, 2 to see the birds. "My son was fascinated by watching the hawk eat a mouse. He was telling me all about it."