Red-tail Hawk Fledges

This magnificent Fledgling Red-tail Hawk has been released here at the center and returns every morning and evening for handouts!    We supply it with live prey that it must capture if it wants to eat.   It usually takes these large hawks four to six weeks to hone their hunting skills, at which time their visits become more scarce.   They do, however, return in the Fall when the hunting gets tougher.   We still get visits during Fall and Winter, from hawks we raised and released here in 2004.

Nevermore

This fledgling Raven was picked up by well-meaning folks who didn't realize it was just a baby because of its large size.   They thought it was injured because it couldn't fly yet.   We would have returned it to its family if we had known where they were, unfortunately we didn't.   If you ask the Raven, 'Nevermore', it will probably tell you its the happiest orphan in the world.   Released here at the center it hangs out with the Crows and eats regularly.   It will eventually find its way into the big world.

       Red-shouldered Hawks

Our little puff balls have grown and flown.   The last of the baby Red-shoulders is still in the aviary but the other two have been released.    Still returning daily for hand outs, of course.    The changes from puff-ball to fledgling are amazing.   They go from downy lumps in the nest that need to be kept warm and fed, to feathered beauties that just need to be kept fed!   They go from clumsy feet to lightening-fast, killing talons and simply spread their wings to enjoy a little wind surfing.  The entire transformation takes about 8 weeks.