Frequently Asked Questions
Where do your birds come from?
Each year the Birds of Prey Foundation receives over 3500 phone calls from private citizens, referrals from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Veterinarians, Animal Emergency Clinics, Animal Shelters and Humane Societies, and our listing in the phone directory.
Close to 400 birds are admitted to the facility annually. They arrive from all regions of Colorado, but the majorityare found along the front range. In recent years, birds have been arriving from neighboring states, and from as far away as California and New York to be rehabilitated for release.
Why do you only treat birds of prey?
Actually, we don’t. We have never turned away an animal in need. In 1995, we cared for about 60 migratory birds that were not raptors. Each year we receive between 15 and 20 nightjars (caprimulgidae), such as poor-wills and nighthawks. In 1995 we cared for 39 species of birds, which included vultures, osprey, accipiters, buteos, eagles, falcons, owls, nightjars, plovers, and surfbirds, herons, grebes, pelicans, geese, ducks, swifts, gulls, quail, and one auk, an ancient murrelet who was an unusual and accidental occurrence in Colorado.
Surprised?…..Well, if you love birds, you love them all!
However, our specialty is birds of prey and our facility is designed to care for them. The majority of all birds admitted are raptors, they perform an important function on the top of a very fragile food chain. Their survival must be insured. There are relatively few of them and any loss will result in uncontrolled increase of their prey, mostly rodents and insects. The steady decline of raptors in our country and around the world is caused by man. The future of birds of prey depends on us. If we give them time to adjust to the ever-growing urbanization of our world and teach our children to respect and admire their beauty, hopefully we can all live together.
How are the birds hurt?
Over ninety percent of the birds admitted have injuries which can be traced to accidental or intentional human interference. They have collided with cars, flown into windows or power lines. They have been senselessly shot, poisoned or trapped in steel jaw traps. They have been taken from their nests illegally, and often have severe nutritional deficiencies. They arrive with injuries such as fractured bones, concussions, damage to eyes, ears, feathers, and bone deformations due to malnutrition and clipped wings. The birds are depressed and in pain, yet often have an incredible will to live. We attempt to give them a second chance.
What do you do to the birds?
Every bird is important to us, and evaluated carefully. Dr. Lee Eggleston in Colorado Springs treats our birds. X-rays may determine the necessity of surgery. Fractures, tissue damage and infections are often successfully treated. Our intensive care unit and the large aviaries have saved the lives of many birds. 63% of the birds are released.
During recovery the birds are placed into one of 29 large, contained flight areas for exercise. Our facility ranks among the five leading centers in the U.S.A. The largest flight cage is 108′ long by 25′ wide by 18′ high. Space and sun are essential for wild birds to regain their strength and survival skills.
Time is important. The sooner we receive an injured bird the better its chance of recovery. The sooner it returns to the wild the better its chance of survival.
Where do you return them to the wild?
Most birds are returned to the place of recovery or wherever it is felt the bird will have the best chance. The time of day, and time of year for release are selected to suit the needs of the bird.
Where does your money come from?
We depend on financial support from private donations. We receive no governmental support. Our staff of two is on call 7 days per week, 52 weeks of the year and is supported by a loyal and hardworking group of over fifty trained volunteers.
What do you need money for?
It is expensive to care for raptors: food, medical supplies, fuel, electricity, maintenance, and building of new enclosures are all part of our expenses. It costs about $350 to return one bird to the wild.
Do you go to schools?
Educational programs are presented to schools, civic and other interested groups. We emphasize the important role of raptors, the problems they are facing and the respect and appreciation they deserve. Live birds are presented after a slide show.
Our program has received endorsements from many schools and organizations and comes highly recommended by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The foundation also provides educational programs in conjunction with the Denver Museum of Natural History and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a National Wildlife Refuge.
What else do you do?
The Foundation provides and shares information and technical data with wildlife organizations and individual rehabilitators in Colorado and from many states in the U.S.A. and Canada.
In 1988, the Foundation received two awards from the Colorado Division of Wildlife for exceptional commitment to Colorado’s wildlife. In 1989, the Foundation was honored by the Colorado Wildlife Federation for “Conservationist of the Year”.
Each spring orphaned baby birds are raised by adults that cannot return to the wild because of permanent damage. They make successful foster parents and teach the young the necessary survival skills.
Several films have been made at our facility. They include a Japanese television documentary on Burrowing Owls, for which a special darkened viewing area was built, where the birds can be seen caring for their young underground. In co-operation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the video “A Place for Pearl” on urban wildlife was produced in 1989.
How can I help?
Become a member at any level. Please print and fill out the membership form and mail your check today.
Consider adopting a bird for one year. For example, your company, class, or family might like to support a particular eagle or owl. For more information call (303) 460-0674.
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