Birds of Prey

The Atwood Center offers raptor interpretation programs that convey a powerful educational and environmental message for people of all ages. If you are interested in scheduling a program or have any questions, call 815-874-7576.

• Also referred to as raptors
• Hunt, kill and eat other animals and insects
• Common groups in this area are eagles, hawks, owls and falcons
• Beneficial to the environment, providing control of rodents and other species known as pests
• Natives to the United States are protected by both federal and state laws
• No one is allowed to possess a raptor as a pet

Atwood has both federal and state permits to care for a number of birds of prey. All of the birds of prey housed at Atwood Park have been deemed “nonreleasable.” This means that an expert has decided that these birds, because of their injuries, would not
be able to survive in the wild.

The birds at Atwood Park are housed in large, individual pens just west of the Atwood Lodge, and there is no charge to view the birds during park hours. Please come and visit our birds and feel free to bring a camera.

In addition to public viewing of our birds at Atwood Park, the Birds of Prey staff are available to bring birds to your site for a program (there is a fee for educational presentation). If interested, call 815-874-7576 (TTY, 888-871-6171).

We are seeking to construct new living quarters for the birds with an observing area and and improved bird care features. We are asking for your help. Not only will these improvements help us serve thousands of visitors and students, but will also benefit the birds.

click here to see how you can help