A screech owl keeps watch over the crowd Tuesday morning. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

A red-tailed hawk swoops across the room during the raptor demonstration Tuesday morning. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

The crowd of children at the George Armstrong Library summer reading program learn about the wingspan of a vulture during a raptor demonstration Tuesday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Five-year-old Amani Davis uses her hands to help simulate the binocular-like eyesight of an owl. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Children watch as Mindy Hamilton holds on tight as a barn owl flaps its wing during Tuesday morning’s program. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

A vulture spreads its wings for all of the children to see. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Rats and mice are popular prey for raptors. These rats were brought to the demonstration to also show how rats help in the environment. (Ben Hillyer /The Natchez Democrat)