Fossil Finds: Red-tailed Hawk Webinar

Recently, our excavators at Project 23 made an incredible discovery–a nearly complete Red-tailed hawk skull! Bird bones are extremely fragile, so while the La Brea Tar Pits houses the largest bird fossil collection in the world, this Fossil Find is extremely rare. Today you may spot a Red-tailed hawk soaring in the sky or perched on a lamppost over a busy highway. Long ago, they shared their world with megafauna like Dire wolves and Saber-toothed cats! Can your class help us name this new discovery?

School and Teacher Programs and Research and Collections from La Brea Tar Pits are offering a two-part webinar series to explore the science behind our newest Red-tailed hawk skull. Hear directly from our scientists about the journey a fossil takes from Project 23 to the Fossil Lab. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and submit ideas for our Red-tailed hawk naming competition. The contest is open to all students in grades Pre-K–12 in L.A. County staring January 16, 2024 and ends on January 23, 2024.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please register for parts 1 and 2 separately. Upon registration, add "1 Adult" to your cart. You will be able to add your school information and classroom details on the next page.

Details for entering the naming competition will be shared during the first webinar on January 16. Entries must be submitted by January 23rd, end of day. Only one entry is allowed per class. The winner will be announced during the second webinar on February 8. The winning class will receive a 3-D print of the Red-tailed hawk skull and a presentation* by our speakers at your school.
_{*Disclaimer: The location of the participant's school will determine whether an in-person presentation or virtual presentation will occur.}