The Birds

We see a variety of species from all over the southeastern United States including hawks, vultures, ospreys, kites, falcons, owls, eagles and harriers. In the past, we have taken in birds from Mississippi, Florida, Georgia and Alabama. We see birds that are migrating through the southeast and some that are year round residents. The most common bird we see is the Red-tailed Hawk followed by the Barred Owl.

Most of the birds present to the center with trauma based injuries. Injuries are usually a result of impact with man-made objects such as cars, windows, buildings, barbed wire fences, etc. Birds also present with gun-shot wounds or are caught in traps set for coyotes and other animals.

During the spring, we take in many nestlings and fledglings that have been misidentified as “orphans”. We have non-releasable raptors that act as foster parents for these orphans. Rarely, we see birds that present for reasons other than trauma or being orphaned.