Give the Ultimate Gift for Nature

While many south Florida residents and visitors marvel at the spectacular sights and sounds of our native birds of prey, there is a danger that selected species may not survive to be appreciated by our children and grandchildren. You can help to ensure the future of South Florida birds of prey by adopting the species of your choice.

The Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center is devoted to rehabilitation, release and research of birds of prey, also known as "raptors". This is a costly enterprise. Since 1991, the Center cared for 713 injured, threatened and endangered birds of prey with a release rate of 48 percent. This Adopt-a-Bird of Prey program is the principle means the Center has to underwrite this effort.

"Parents" receive many benefits for their contributions. Along with knowing you're doing your part to protect our native raptors, you'll be invited to special wildlife events where you might participate in the release of a rehabilitated bird.

All proceeds from the project are used for the support and care of our resident birds of prey, as well as ongoing ecological field studies of free-living raptors. A bird of prey adoption is the perfect gift for the person who has everything!

   

Bald eagles are found throughout North America. Though their population appears to be stable, the future depends on identifying and protecting this raptor's critical habitat. Our eagle was struck by a car while feeding on a roadside, with injuries resulting in his inability to fly.

    

Like most owls, the barn owl is nocturnal and rarely seen by people. They nest in barn lofts, large trees and abandoned homes. Our owl arrived after landing on someone's arm, begging for food. We suspect he was illegally kept as a pet.

 

This large woodland owl is known for its intense vocalization. Campers are often abruptly awakened by this curious bird. Our owls have both suffered disabling injuries.

  

This small hawk is a migratory species similar to the resident red-shouldered hawk. Our broad-winged hawk is partially blind due to a collision.

    

These rare raptors are usually seen soaring the thermals during the winter. Our short-tailed hawk was struck by a vehicle, suffering permanent damage to his right wing. He will never soar again.

   

The threatened Florida crested caracara is found in the central part of the state. Its population is declining due to habitat alteration. The future of these raptors will depend on the conservation of open prairies and the reduction of roadside collisions.

   

Also known as the sparrow hawk, the kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. Its habit of feeding near roadsides results in many car collisions. A taste for insects also make kestrels suspectible to backyard pesticides.

 

The peregrine dives at speeds of 100 mph or more while pursuing prey. Falconers have brought this raptor back from the verge of extinction through captive breeding. Falcons are very susceptible to environmental toxins such as pesticides in food sources and the environment.

   

Burrowing owls in Florida have become urbanized and can be found at airports, athletic fields, playgrounds and residential yards. The primary cause of injury to these owls is car collisions.

 

This is the largest hawk living in South Florida and can often be seen perched on power line poles while hunting. Our red-tailed hawk was the victim of an illegal shooting which permanently damaged her wing.

   

Active at night, these owls can be agressive toward intruders during nesting season. Our owl was illegally raised by humans, unfortunately resulting in aggression toward people.

 

These successfully urbanized owls are difficult to observe because of their nocturnal behavior. The current concern is how the use of pesticides in private yards affects their health. Survival of raptors depends on a clean environment.

 

The fish-eating ospreys have adapted to humans by building nests on telephone poles and other platforms in developed areas. They are currently threatened by habitat degradation. The future of this raptor depends on government protection, public education and a healthy environment.