Born To Be Wild Nature Center

06/07/2023

12/17/2021

Came across these photos of a very young Red Tailed hawk we rehabbed years ago. The tree he hatched in was intentionally cut down by the groundskeeper of the Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. His two siblings were killed in the fall and he was left under a nearby tree to fend for himself. The photo on the left was taken the day he arrived here. The fact that he was not an orphan and his parents were alive and well meant only thing. We needed to get him back to his parents asap. Since all migratory birds are protected by state and federal laws, we knew that the golf course was going to have to help us. We told them how to make a nesting platform and it was installed in a nearby tree. With the help of a bucket lift, we were able to put him back up into the tree. Within 2 hours, his mother was seen flying a snake to feed her baby. The second picture was taken just shortly before he flew for the first time (about 4 weeks later)!

11/02/2021

We received this young Peregrine Falcon today from our Falconry mentor, Jim G. He got the call that there was a "hawk" on the ground for the past 2 days in Jamestown, R.I. and when he arrived he found this skinny male falcon. Otherwise unhurt, the falcon appears alert and very hungry. Jim fed him some quail (that's the bulge in the chest) before we arrived. We estimate his age to be 5 and a half months old. Once he gains back enough weight, we can move him outdoors and test his flight abilities. Peregrines are the most elite flyers in the avian world.

07/27/2021

We hosted a tour today from a homeschool group and they just loved it! What a pleasure to meet a group of people, young and old, who appreciate nature and want to learn everything they can about it.

06/23/2021

Reuniting young raptors with their families has always been our favorite phase of raptor rehabilitation. It takes a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of coordinating with other parties (most importantly the initial rescuers) and it takes a lot of faith in the knowledge that raptor parents are some of the most dedicated parents in the world. They never abandon their young and are always thrilled at the sight of their youngster being returned. Here is a juvenile Osprey flying back to it's nest after a brief stay at BTBW. He hovered momentarily over the nest before plopping down next to his sibling. Both parents standing guard. We imagine the sibling being less than thrilled as she will now have to share the fishy feast!

05/30/2021

We took in this beauty last night after he had been hit by a car. His feathers were trashed (especially the tail feathers) from skidding along the pavement. Thankfully, there are no broken bones AND soon he will begin his annual molt. This is when birds drop their old feathers and new feathers emerge. Hopefully, this will take place soon and he can return to his home in Coventry.

05/20/2021

We were able to reunite this young Great Horned owl with his family in Portsmouth, R.I. just as the sun was setting. His Mom was in an adjacent tree hooting softly. Such a wonderful experience to return the owlet back to the wild.

05/18/2021

After several attempts to get the Screechies back to their birth tree we managed to do it. The young female actually flew across the road (Bellevue Ave) twice before we were able to get her to settle up into the tree she was born in. In all the commotion we did not see the parents but we know how dedicated they are and how they never abandon the area.

05/12/2021

So tonight is their big night! They will be reunited with their owl family in Newport, R.I. just before sunset. The brother (on the right) and his sister have enough flight to make it back up into the tree where they were born. Hopefully, we can get a good video tonight to share with you. This is our favorite part of raptor rehab, when they can be returned to the wild.

05/08/2021

Two more fledglings have joined our brood. These are Eastern Screech Owls, both found on the ground under a massive Beech tree. This is on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, R.I. Home to the "summer cottages" of the rich and famous. We will be taking them back as soon as they have enough flight. Possibly in a week.

05/06/2021

The male (on the right) is very attached to the female. He loves to cuddle right up to her and nibble. She could care less 😊

05/04/2021

The 2 owlets this morning after their breakfast ( 4 mice each). And although they won't fly while we are watching, we know they can. We have seen them perched on everything including the highest perch and on the roof of the nest box. The smaller male (on the left) is preoccupied by the chickens wandering outside of the aviary. They are now approx. 5 weeks of age.