Saw-whet Owl

An informed public is less likely to adversely impact wildlife out of ignorance or fear.

Harris' Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Barred Owl

Prairie Falcon

FWRRS Raptor Team Leader - Cathy Garner 

• VERY IMPORTANT!!  USE HEAVY GLOVES, SUCH AS WELDER’S GLOVES TO HANDLE THE BIRD. 

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THICK GLOVES, USE A HEAVY BLANKET OR BEACH TOWEL TO THROW OVER THE BIRD.

QUICKLY, “SCOOP” UP THE BIRD AND PUT IT INTO A CARDBOARD BOX. 

DO NOT USE A CAGE!!  WIRE CAGES CAN QUICKLY RUIN WILD BIRDS’ FEATHERS. 

If you have a bird of prey because you know it is in need of help:

1.Put it in a cardboard box with air holes above the eye level of the bird.

2. Put in some absorbent material, such as a t-shirt or sweatshirt in the bottom of the box for the bird to stand on.

3.Place the bird within the box and put it in a quiet, dark and warm area.

4. CALL OUR WILDILIFE NUMBER IMMEDIATELY.

Raptors are also known as "birds of prey."

Owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures are local raptors.

1-week old Great-horned Owl	These baby Great-horned owls were hatched in March 2008.
3-week-old siblings	3-week old takes wobbly steps while practicing flapping his wings – an important step toward learning to fly.
By 5 weeks, the outer feathers are more prominent.	Readying for its first flight, this 5-week old balances on the gloved hand of a wildlife volunteer rehabber.
At 7 weeks, this owlet is almost ready to finish the rehab process in a larger flight "cage."	Exhibiting a defensive posture, this 7-week-old lets its handlers know he means business!

Raptors are challenging to rehab for a variety of reasons:
• They have extremely sharp talons.
• Their beaks can rip apart meat and that means your skin, too!
• They do not want your help.
• If you lose control of the bird, chasing it down can be very difficult.
• All birds of prey eat dead things; therefore, they may have an offensive odor.

A Few Words of Caution!
• Young raptors may appear cute and cuddly, or even tame, but don't be fooled. They are wild creatures and will always exhibit some very wild qualities. Without proper training, you may be seriously injured when handling these birds.

• Birds in rehab are never to be treated as pets!

• It is ILLEGAL to harbor any native birds without proper Federal and State permits.