Yes, we're that kind of family. My grandkids got owl pellets for Christmas. In case you didn't know, owl pellets are composed of the indigestible materials ingested by owls, who regurgitate them after a meal. Pellets are mostly compacted hair with tiny bones buried inside. The companies that sell the pellets, which have been sterilized for safety, also send along a bone identification chart.

Sometimes children will be initially put off by this project, but inevitably they are drawn in.


It's fun to try to identify the bones, and they are so tiny and delicate that they are fascinating to look at.

Learn more about nature activities to do with the grandchildren.

Photo © S. Adcox
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