2024 Huntington Beach State Park - Center For Birds of Prey

Barred Owl just after Release into Wild Feb. 9

The Hammock Coast Birding Festival sponsored by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce took place Feb. 8 - 11 in calm, cloudy and mild conditions. One of their birding venues is Huntington Beach State Park, usually known for waterfowl and shorebirds. Organizer Mark Stevens arranged for the Center for Birds of Prey to come give attendees a flight demonstration, with some of their captive raptors. Addie Carter presented a Mississippi Kite and a Red-tailed Hawk for all to marvel at and to photograph. She even took time to answer questions about these birds, and other raptor questions.

Unknown to everyone there, including WBTW Channel 13 news cameras, was that Addie brought a Barred Owl to release back into the wild. The Center for Birds of Prey accepts injured raptors and rehabilitates them in hopes of being able to release them sooner rather than later. This Barred Owl was now ready to go back into the wild, and the State Park woods near Atalaya Castle were a great spot for this owl to reside. Everyone was asked to stay back and to stay quiet as the transportation box was placed next to the woodbine, and the lid was opened. The Barred Owl left the box in a quick whoosh and lit in a pine tree to survey its new home, in a display of avian conservation that struck a chord with birders.

Addie Carter with Mississippi Kite

To view past blog entries from the Center for Birds of Prey click on 2023 Flight Demo - 2018-  2017- 2016 - 2013 - 2011 - 2010 

Red-tailed Hawk landing on stand!!