York Town News
Adopt a bird of prey for the holidays
The barred owl pictured here is one of nine birds of prey available for "adoption" through the Center for Wildlife's special holiday gift program.
Photo courtesy of Eva Powers
CAPE NEDDICK - It is that time of year again for many, when thoughts of the holiday season bring with them the desire to help others.
And, just in time for those who want to give something back, or who are struggling to find a truly unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on their gift-giving list, the Center for Wildlife is offering a solution.
The CFW announced this week that its popular "Adopt-a-Raptor" program is back for the 2006 holiday season.
According to the CFW staff and volunteers, one of the goals of this animal sponsorship opportunity is to provide a unique and affordable gift idea that builds a bridge between individuals and the natural world.
By sponsoring one or more of the nine birds of prey - also known as raptors - that reside at the Center for Wildlife, participants contribute to the costs for their daily care, feeding and medical treatment for one year.
These nine birds reside permanently at the center because they previously sustained injuries that would make it impossible for them to survive if released back into the wild.
Designated human recipients of an Adopt-a-Raptor gift receive a photograph suitable for framing with a description of the raptor and its natural habits as well as a certificate acknowledging their participation in the program.
Again this year, the CFW is featuring breathtaking photographs donated by members of the Seacoast Camera Club.
Four longtime beloved residents that are available for adoption include a red-tailed hawk, female barred owl, eastern screech owl and female Peregrine falcon.
New additions to the array of animals available for sponsorship this year are an adult male great-horned owl, adult male barred owl, juvenile broad-winged hawk, adult female American kestrel and adult male Peregrine falcon. These five new raptors have been at the center for less than a year and are in training to become education ambassadors.
All nine of these birds share another very important purpose at the CFW: they serve as foster parents to orphaned young of their species.
Once they are trained as ambassadors, they are also brought into classrooms and civic organizations to help the CFW teach the public about wild animals, their natural history and living habits, and how human beings can live in harmony with them.
The CFW has a special Adopt-a-Raptor package tailored for younger participants, ages 13 and under, with fun facts, stories and games included.
This year, the center is also offering the chance to adopt two or more birds at a special discounted price.
The Center for Wildlife is a private, non-profit organization that treats 1,500 sick, orphaned and injured wild birds, mammals and reptiles each year, and provides community education to approximately 3,000 children, youth and adults annually.
More than 90 percent of the center's operating budget comes from individual and business donations and programs such as Adopt-a-Raptor.
For more information about the Center for Wildlife or to participate in the Adopt-a-Raptor program, visit www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org or call 361-1400.
