Auburn University Raptor Center
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Please do not bring sick or injured raptors to the center.
Beyond the iconic War Eagle flight, the Auburn University Raptor Center advances conservation, education, and rehabilitation, reaching 30,000+ annually and giving hundreds of injured, ill, and orphaned raptors a second chance at flight. Injured raptors are received at the emergency entrance of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, (334) 844-469
06/11/2026
06/03/2026
Two nestling osprey were brought to us after recent storms destroyed their nest along the Coosa River. Osprey typically build large stick nests high above the water; on snags, channel markers, or tall structures, so when severe weather hits, these platforms can be especially vulnerable.
Concerned citizens spotted the displaced chicks on the riverbank and acted quickly, giving them the only chance they had.
Despite everyone’s efforts, one chick did not survive its injuries. The other is doing remarkably well. At an estimated 5–6 weeks old, this youngster is all legs and feet, exactly what we expect from an osprey chick gearing up for the strength and balance needed for future flight.
The chick is alert, eating well, and settling into care with all the determination we hope to see in a young raptor.
We’re grateful to the community members who stepped in and to everyone who supports the work we do. Every rescue matters, and this little one’s story isn’t finished yet.
A little over a month ago, we discovered an old building tucked away in the woods near the Raptor Center. To our surprise, inside was a Black Vulture nest with two eggs. Black Vultures nests are typically on the ground often choosing abandoned structures, hollow logs, or sheltered spaces. They’re also highly devoted parents, sharing incubation and chick‑rearing duties.
A few weeks later, we admitted two orphaned Black Vulture chicks. We checked the wild nest to see if our chicks might be compatible age, we found that one egg had disappeared and the remaining egg was infertile. The devoted parents were still in nesting mode and with the proper permissions, we explored a conservation technique known as wild fostering. Wild fostering is placing orphaned young with suitable wild parents who can raise them naturally.
We introduced the two orphaned chicks to the vulture pair on Monday and set up a trail camera to monitor their response. What we saw was exactly what we hoped for.
This moment captured on camera shows the foster mother returning to the nest and feeding one of the chicks. The father has also been active on camera, taking his turn caring for the young. Black Vultures are cooperative breeders, and both parents and sometimes even extended family members, participate in raising the young.
By allowing these chicks to be raised by wild adults, they’ll learn essential natural behaviors that humans simply can’t teach: proper social cues, vocalizations, foraging skills, and species‑specific interactions. It’s one of the most successful ways to prepare orphaned birds for life in the wild.
Sometimes conservation is hands‑on. Sometimes it’s stepping back and letting nature do what it does best.
Take a peek behind the scenes with Kramer, our Turkey Vulture 🖤�Today he’s working on telemetry stationing with his trainers, Christina and Katelyn—an important behavior that allows us to safely put on his GPS transmitter before free flight. Even though Kramer is experienced with free flying and educational programs, he always has the choice to go wherever he wants…so this tracker helps us keep tabs on him if his plans don’t match ours.�You’ll see Christina practicing “tail touches,” getting Kramer comfortable with the process of putting on the transmitter to a small mount on his tail feather. The station he’s perched on also gives him a clear target, helping him understand exactly where to position himself to earn his reinforcements!�Kramer may be a seasoned flier, but after a little break he’s getting back into the swing of things, and you might just catch him soaring in our amphitheater shows during football season 👀
05/05/2026
The galaxy's fiercest protector meets North America's littlest falcon. ✨🐦✨
This , Captain America — an American kestrel ambassador at the Auburn University Raptor Center — is taking a break from educational programming to patrol the Outer Rim with the Mandalorian.
While he may not reach hyperspace, Captain can dive at speeds of up to 60 MPH when hunting. He and Grogu share more than their tiny stature. Kestrels also have an appetite for frogs, along with grasshoppers, lizards, mice and other small animals.
And like Grogu, he proves that great power comes in small packages.
May the force (of his tiny talons) be with you.
04/24/2026
Tree climber needed in Montgomery, AL!
We have a Great Horned Owl chick that needs to be re‑nested, and we’re looking for an experienced climber with proper gear who can help us reach the nest safely.
If you’re available, please call And speak with Kevin at 334-844-6347, this little one is counting on it.
04/22/2026
This Earth Day, we’re celebrating the raptors who connect our skies across continents — and the global conservation efforts that protect them.
From the migratory journeys of Ospreys and Broad‑winged Hawks to the fragile populations of vultures and eagles worldwide, raptors are powerful indicators of ecosystem health. Their survival depends on clean habitats, responsible stewardship, and communities willing to take action.
At the Auburn University Raptor Center, we’re proud to play a role in this global mission through rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Every patient we treat and every program we deliver helps strengthen the future of raptors everywhere.
Protecting the planet means protecting the species who watch over it from above. Happy Earth Day.
04/21/2026
It’s Volunteer Week, and we’re feeling fly thanks to the incredible people who keep our center soaring.
Nearly 125 volunteers give their time every week across our rehabilitation and education departments. They help with daily animal care, support ambassador training, and bring top‑notch educational programming to our community. Simply put, they’re the wings beneath this entire operation.
This year, we recognized two volunteers who truly stand talon‑t:
•Allie from our Education team
•Micki from our Rehabilitation team
Their dedication, reliability, and heart never ruffle, they just keep showing up and helping us reach new heights.
To every volunteer who gives their time and helps our mission take flight, thank you. Your impact is nothing short of exceptional, and we’re so grateful to have you in our flock.
Help us celebrate them by dropping a thank‑you below.
04/17/2026
This morning, a concerned Auburn student alerted us to a hawk in a dangerous and unusual situation on main campus. Its leg tightly wedged in the V of a tree, nearly 70 feet above the ground.
We are deeply grateful for our partners with Auburn University Landscaping who responded immediately with a lift and the skilled hands needed to reach the bird safely. Staff member Kevin braved the height, freed the hawk, and brought it down for urgent care.
While the hawk’s injury is severe and its prognosis remains guarded, today’s rescue reflects the heart of this campus community: students who speak up, staff who step in, and teams across Auburn who work together to support the wildlife that shares this space with us.
Thank you to everyone who played a role. Your compassion makes a difference.
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1350 Pratt-Carden Drive
Auburn, AL
36849