From The Raptor Center
Of the hundreds of birds released from TRC's hospital each year, many of them spend 1 - 3 months in our care. But several of our patients need to stay in our hospital over the winter.
Some of these are young birds of species that stick around during the winter.
Senior vet tech Corryn shares, "If a raptor is in its first year of life and is admitted to TRC's hospital before it has had the opportunity to hunt in winter conditions, we will not release it into the deep winter with cold temps and deep snow, or it would be at a significant disadvantage." Once healed, we house these birds outside, helping to reduce their stress from human activity and providing them with more natural living conditions.
Other overwintering birds belong to migratory species. Raptors such as board-winged hawks, osprey, and some falcon species sometimes miss their migration window while healing in our care. Broad-winged hawks, for example, must begin their southward journey by mid-October, as they lack the adaptations required for harsh winter conditions and their food sources become scarce.
For their care, Corryn explained, "Since they are species that would not live here through a Minnesota winter, they are housed indoors. Their perches, substrate, water pans, and other items are switched out regularly, providing novel items for them to engage with and keeping them healthy."
The timeframe for release varies by species and the individual patients' medical needs. "But as a general rule," Corryn explained, "we aim to release migratory species when other birds of the same species are traveling through the area in large numbers."
The migratory raptors currently in our care have a little way to go before their wild companions start their spring arrival. In the meantime, they continue to receive tailored, nutritious diets, regular medical checks, and safety from the elements as they await a spring release.
In these photos, you see a few of the TRC hospital's winter residents awaiting spring release: a northern saw-whet owl, 3 barred owls, and a red-tailed hawk.
