Adopt-A-Bird, Release-a-Raptor

The Carolina Raptor Center was founded in 1981 and is "dedicated to the care and successful release of injured and orphaned birds of prey." It is located in Huntersville near Latta Plantation, and makes a great afternoon trip on a pretty fall day.

I was sort of half-listening to the TV yesterday and a piece about the temporary closing of the raptor center came on the news. With the CMS budget cuts and the ASC funding "reductions," the Carolina Raptor Center has had to rethink its budget and strategy. The center will reopen on November 17, and if you have not been out to visit before, or not been out for awhile, I encourage you to make the trip to support the center. The birds are gorgeous--owls, hawks, falcons--and the opportunities to see and learn about them up close and personal are not to be missed. Membership is so affordable--just $50 annually gets you and your immediate family in for the year. Join now and attend the 25th Anniversary Party on November 21, where they introduce two African Eagles to the CRC family.

Another great way to support the Carolina Raptor Center is by adopting a bird--this is a great gift from a godparent or aunt or uncle for the kid who has everything and you can't bear to buy them just a gift card for yet another electronic game. Bird adoptions range from $30 for an American Kestrel or small owl to $300 for an eagle. It's a cool gift for a budding scientist--they receive a 5x7 photograph of "their" bird, a written description of how this bird came to the center, a newsletter subscription AND a personal visit with their bird (you just call ahead to let the center know you would like to visit your bird). The personal visit would be a great time for some one-on-one with the special child!

Another cool way to support the center is by holding a "Release-a-Raptor" party. I think this is a GREAT idea. Prices start at $150 (depending on the size of your group) and you can either pick a date and just wait to see what type of species is ready to go, or request a certain species and wait for the center to call you. What an awesome birthday party--helping another creature fly free and healthy!

To do: Save the birds.