Enrichment can take many forms to make a raptor's day more interesting. Training sessions keep their minds active, rolled newspaper is perfect for shredding, and new perches change up their daily routine. And some days we provide sounds, like nature recordings or talk radio, to pique their interest.
With auditory enrichment on the day's schedule, I decided to introduce the birds to my new hobby. The safer-at-home order earlier this year led to a mysterious urge to learn how to play the banjo in the traditional clawhammer style. Now a few months later and with a few songs under my belt, I looped the instrument's strap over my shoulder and stepped outside to my audience.
Otto and Carson didn't pay much attention to their private concert. But Aldo the American Kestrel seemed to enjoy his front row seat. He inspected the new object, watched my hand movement, and luckily didn't seem to mind when I missed a few notes. I'd like to think he enjoyed the music, but it didn't seem to hold his attention very long. After a few minutes he flew to the back of the mew, leaving no review of his first banjo concert.
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