Rockford Park District
Birds of Prey
About birds of prey:
- 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 holds both federal and state permits to care for its six birds of prey, all of which have been deemed "non-releasable." This means that an expert has decided that, because of their injuries, these birds would not survive in the wild.
The birds are housed in individual pens just west of the Atwood Environmental Center. There is no charge to view the birds during park hours. Don't forget to bring your camera.
For a small fee, the Birds of Prey staff can bring a bird program to your site (within Rockford Park District boundaries.) For details on the three presentations offered, please click below.
The birds are housed in individual pens just west of the Atwood Environmental Center. There is no charge to view the birds during park hours. Don't forget to bring your camera.
For a small fee, the Birds of Prey staff can bring a bird program to your site (within Rockford Park District boundaries.) For details on the three presentations offered, please click below.