Learn With Us

Exciting News!

We are thrilled to introduce the youngest member of the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre team, Kato the American Kestrel, who is now our official Education Ambassador bird.

Kato arrived at the Centre in August 2025 after observant rescuers noticed that all of his siblings had left the nest box and started flying, but Kato remained on the ground, unable to fly.
Kato is missing all of the large flight feathers on his left wing and what we first hoped was feather damage turned out to be something more serious. Kato is missing the last joint and all of the small bones at the tip of his wing. The area had a small scab, indicating this was not a birth defect but the result of an injury. Something likely became wrapped around the tip of his wing, cutting off blood circulation and causing that portion of the wing to die off.
Kato was very thin upon arrival, but was otherwise perfectly healthy and proved to be an ideal candidate for our education program. He is not in any pain, and as a young bird who had not yet experienced life in the wild, he adapted quickly and comfortably to indoor life and people around him.
Why the name Kato?
We wanted something short, catchy, and unique. Kato is a known character name, appearing as the loyal sidekick to both the heroes, the Green Hornet and the Pink Panther. The name also has several interesting origins that fit well. The Latin root meaning is associated with being clever and intelligent. It also has origins in Africa, where Kato means “second of twins.” This is especially fitting, as Kato is our second educational kestrel, following in the footsteps of Indigo, who served as our education bird for over a decade and also could not fly due to a left-wing issue.

Kato is excited to meet members of the Ottawa community through off-site presentations and events!

The Junior Avian Ambassador Program

Every presentation is a unique hands-on educational experience that raises awareness for wild birds and also helps provide life-saving care for injured wild birds at the Centre! Our presentations are one hour long and begin with a summary of the work we do at the Centre, the common reasons why wild birds become injured, and how our actions in our communities can make a difference.

The bulk of the presentation is grade/group-specific and covers aspects of the Ontario Science Curriculum in a unique and fun way.

At the end of the presentation, we will discuss how to respectfully observe birds and what to do if you find an injured bird. We also offer additional facilitated activities for a fee, and activity ideas for leaders to expand the group’s learning experience after the presentation.

Presentations are available 7 days a week, including evenings. Presentations can be done outdoors, weather permitting.

If you have any questions or would like to book a presentation for your group, please contact Patty McLaughlin:

Off-Site or In-Person Presentations

Indoors or Out

Presentation Fees*

$150 for a one-hour presentation. (book 2 or more on the same day receive a 10% discount) Curriculum-linked, printable activity ideas are provided to teachers/leaders upon request at no charge.

*A modest travel fee will be added for distances beyond 25 km from the Centre.

Additional facilitated add-on activities available:

Each activity requires an additional 30 minutes and is facilitated by our presenter. All materials are provided for up to 30 participants:

Owl pellet dissection $60
Bird themed craft $60
Bird walk with binoculars (32 pairs available) $60

Presentation Topics : Elementary Grades

In this presentation, we will explore the characteristics that define birds, how birds differ from other animals, and the unique features that distinguish different bird species from one another. Children will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities with authentic feathers, wings, beaks, and feet, as well as participate in interactive discussions and games to discover the answers to these questions.
During this presentation, we will delve deeper into the topic of biodiversity and communities by learning more about bird behaviour, and adaptations. We will explore how each species plays a vital role in their respective habitats, and how different species form communities, that can all thrive in the same ecosystem. Our discussion will cover various topics, including predator/prey relationships, food webs, ecosystem services, and species at risk. Through hands-on exploration of artifacts, photos, and bird identification apps, participants will learn tips and tricks for bird identification in the wild.
During this presentation, we will delve deeper into the topic of biodiversity and communities by learning more about bird behaviour, and adaptations. We will explore how each species plays a vital role in their respective habitats, and how different species form communities, that can all thrive in the same ecosystem. Our discussion will cover various topics, including predator/prey relationships, food webs, ecosystem services, and species at risk. Through hands-on exploration of artifacts, photos, and bird identification apps, participants will learn tips and tricks for bird identification in the wild.
During this presentation, participants will learn more about volunteering or working at the Centre through a PowerPoint presentation filled with photos and videos showcasing daily activities. We will discuss the crucial role of wild birds in various ecosystems, bird population trends, reasons for changes, and why our bird observations matter! Participants will explore wings, feet, beaks, and photos, and challenge their bird identification skills using a bird identification app. We will provide tips and tricks on how to complete a bird survey and introduce citizen science projects that are easy to participate in!

Presentation Topics - Adults

Adults (residences, community groups, etc.)

Through an engaging PowerPoint presentation filled with pictures and videos of birds at the Centre, your group will learn about the history of the Centre, what it is like caring for over 3,500 injured or orphaned birds each year, and interesting stories and facts about our patients. The remaining part of the presentation can be customized to meet the interests of your group from learning backyard bird identification tips, ways we can help our feathered friends, and of course, answering all your wild bird questions.