Bird of Prey Releases
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy and the Orange County Bird of Prey Center have partnered to release rehabilitated hawks and owls back into the wild in and around the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The organizations together released 29 barn owls, screech owls, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks and red-shouldered hawks that had been raised or nursed back to health by the staff and volunteers of the Bird of Prey Center.
Injured and orphaned raptors are brought to the Center by people from the community and by county, state and federal agencies. The birds are examined by a veterinarian and a course of treatment is conducted. Sometimes x-rays, surgery or other medical therapy is required before the birds can fly again.
The Center teaches young birds of prey to hunt live food while honing the hunting and flying skills they will need in the wild. The birds are carefully raised so that they do not become accustomed to humans. Injured birds that can someday be released are kept in flight cages (also called “mews”) until they have healed, to regain skills and strength needed for their return to the wild.
Released in 2008 were:
5 barn owls, 1 screech Owl, 3 American kestrels (a small falcon), 13 red-tailed hawks, 3 red-shouldered hawks and 4 Cooper’s hawks.
Members of the public are encouraged to view the releases and to learn more about the raptors and their critical role in the ecosystem. Although releases are irregularly scheduled, we will attempt to provide advance notice on this website when a session is planned.