Avian Fans Flock To Wilton Library To See Birds Up Close

WILTON, Conn., -- Corbin the crow shattered the quiet of the Brubeck Room in the Wilton Library as he unleashed a series of caws Wednesday afternoon.

Dante, a Turkey Vulture, spreads his wings at the Wilton Library Wednesday before an educational session with a group of children.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Oscar, a Great-Horned Owl, at the Wilton Library on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Athena, a Peregrine Falcon, perches on the falconers glove of Mary-Beth Kaeser at Wilton Library Wednesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Corbin, an American Crow, at the Wilton Library on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Frank MacEachern

07/25/2014 5:00 a.m.

Corbin was one of four birds brought to the Wilton Library as part of a summer educational series held on Wednesdays for kids of all ages.

Corbin belongs to Horizon Wings, an Ashford-based group that seeks to rehabilitate birds. For birds with injuries that won't allow them to live successfully in nature, Horizon Wings keeps them, cares for them, provides them with a home and uses them for educational purposes.

The 13-year-old organization was founded by Mary-Beth Kaeser and her husband, Alan Nordell.

"Corbin was stolen from his nest by a hawk when he was two weeks old and his family chased him," Kaeser said. "The hawk dropped him, but his shoulder was crushed."

He was turned over to her shelter and has remained with them for the last three years.

Corbin was joined by Dante, a turkey vulture; Athena, a peregrine falcon; and Oscar, a great-horned owl.

Andrea Falkner, head of the Children's Library in Wilton, said the chance to see live birds is popular and attracts a higher number of participants than many other events at the library.

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