For today's quick quiz, let me ask you, "What is a raptor?" Those who answered "a singer of hip-hop," well, you're wrong. Same for those who responded a person knocking at a door or window.

Okay, I think I heard a few of you in the back getting it right. A raptor is a bird whose diet depends on live prey.

If you didn't answer correctly -- or even if you did -- consider a trip to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) for a chance to learn much more about these remarkable birds.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science has its main campus just outside the tiny village of Quechee. Occupying a former quarry and farm site, the land includes third-growth forest, old stone walls and banks along the Ottauquechee River.

RAPTOR RESCUE

The institute claims a mission of protecting the natural heritage of Vermont. Education and research are two arms, while raptor rehabilitation marks the third. On-site and outreach programs bring ecological principles to adults and children across Vermont. But it's the raptors that make the center most unique.

The center rescues several hundred birds a year, of which at least half are able to return to the wild. Some of the others become permanent residents.

As we strolled along the raptor enclosures, we learned about the characteristics that make these birds good hunters. For one thing, they have excellent vision.

Owls enjoy night vision that's 100 times stronger than that of humans. Extra neck vertebrae allow them to swivel their heads 270 degrees in their search for prey.

Light skeletons facilitate staying aloft for long periods. Most kill with their powerful talons. Falcons also utilize strong beaks for that purpose. Swiftness helps, too. A peregrine falcon can fly 70 miles per hour then dive at three times that speed.

NARRATED HIKE

Keeping all this in mind made us glad these 30-plus birds lived behind wire. We looked at a new arrival, a snowy owl, then gazed upon the ominous red faces of the turkey vultures. But technically, vultures aren't raptors; they lack sharp talons and cannot kill their prey.

Barred owls are notable for the vertical lines on their breasts, while many know red-tailed hawks for their intimidating screams. Two ravens on display were larger than I'd anticipated. They're not raptors, either, but rank "among the most intelligent" in the bird kingdom.

There's more to do at the institute than just look at raptors.

Trails course through the 47-acre site. We decided to follow a staff member along a narrated half-mile loop. Erin, holding degrees in ecology and environmental education, proved quite knowledgeable about the terrain. Plus, she has a gift with children, easily involving them in the experience.