Raptor Connections

Meet BBRR’s Ambassadors

BBRR’s education birds are available for presentations for groups of all ages and interest levels.  For more information and to schedule a program, contact Daena Ford at information@bbrr.org, 585-267-5483.

Broad-winged Hawk

Our female Broad-winged Hawk arrived into BBRR care in January, 2017.  She acquired an injury to her right wing as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle.  This has left her unable to obtain full flight.  Despite her injuries, she has adapted well to life as an education bird and is quite a charmer.

Learn more about Broad-winged Hawks in this video.  BBRR’s Broad-winged Hawk

 

Fun Facts
  • Latin name is Buteo platypterus, meaning “wide-winged hawk”
  • Migrates to Central and South America for the winter
  • Sometimes thousands can be seen at once, migrating in “kettles”
  • Nest in the forest, and often near a stream where they can find frogs to eat!
Great Horned Owl

One of our most common native owls species, it is a real treat when people meet our Great Horned Owl.  She is a big, beautiful female, incapable of full flight due to permanent wing damage.  For such a large, fierce predator, she has a very shy personality, but is proving to be an impressive ambassador for her species and all owls.  Our Great Horned Owl was found as an adult, and has been with us since May 2017.

 Learn more about Great Horned Owls in this video.  BBRR’s Great Horned Owl

Fun Facts
  • Latin name is Bubo virginianus
  • Their “horns” are really just feathers that aid in camouflage
  • Known as the “Tiger of the air” because of their strength and fierceness
  • Nest early in the year, often on eggs by January
  • Year round resident—one of our most common owls
Merlin

BBRR was very excited to acquire this female Merlin in October, 2017.  Merlins are a medium sized falcon that are considered to be a rare find in New York state.   However, they are showing up more and more as their population rebounds from environmental issues.  Our Merlin is unable to fly due to a wing injury, but that doesn’t stop her from being energetic, bold and curious like most Merlins are.

 Learn more about Merlins in this video.  BBRR’s Merlin

Fun Facts
  • Latin name is Falco columbarius.
  • Falco refers to falcon, and columbarius means dove-like.
  • A small member of the falcon family built for aerial hunting of songbirds and large insects.
  • Merlins are bold and will use a crow’s nest for their own.
  • In medieval times, a Merlin was the falconry bird for Ladies.
Red-tailed Hawk

This Red-tailed Hawk was found in central New York, and had been shot.  Fortunately he recovered from the trauma, but is unable to fly due permanent damage to his right wing, and also is blind in his left eye.  He’s been with BBRR since May, 2017.  HIs calm demeanor has made him a great education bird.  A familiar species to our area, people enjoy seeing this beautiful bird up close for a change.

 Learn more about Red-tailed Hawks in this video.  BBRR’s Red-tailed Hawk

Fun Facts
  • Latin name is Buteo jamaicensis. They are the largest buteo in eastern North America
  • Named for the rufous (red) tail that adults possess
  • Often found along roads, even highways, searching for food in grassy areas
  • Found across North America, there are 16 subspecies of Red-tailed Hawks.