Skip to main content
Owl Moon Raptor Center
Boyds, Maryland 20841

Join Us for our Annual Owl Moon Raptor Festival November 9th!

News & Events

Newsroom

Three Babies In Search of Foster Nests

Osprey on left wrapped in towel, Cooper's hawk in kennel on right.

We have three young birds currently in need of foster nests in the wild. Here’s a bit more about their species and what makes their situations so critical:

1. Two Baby Ospreys:
Lifecycle: Ospreys build large, sturdy nests, often on tall structures like dead trees or man-made platforms. After mating, the female lays 2-4 eggs, which hatch after about 5 weeks. The chicks are altricial, meaning they’re born blind and helpless, relying entirely on their parents for warmth and food. They remain in the nest for about 8-10 weeks before fledging. During this time, they learn essential skills from their parents, including fishing.

Current Situation: The two baby ospreys are in need of a new nest following the loss of one parent in an unusual accident. We are actively seeking a natural foster nest where they can continue to receive the care they need to grow into strong, independent birds. It is important to make a placement that does not overburden nests already struggling to provide enough nutrients to their current charges.

2. Baby Cooper's Hawk:
Lifecycle: Cooper's hawks are medium-sized raptors known for their agility and hunting skills. They typically build their nests high up in trees, where the female lays 2-5 eggs. The eggs hatch after about 30 days, and the chicks are also altricial and rely on their parents for food and care. The nestlings remain in the nest for 4-5 weeks before fledging, or leaving the nest, and will continue to be fed by their parents for several more weeks as they learn to hunt.

Current Situation: Our baby Cooper's hawk needs a foster nest where there are other young hawks of similar age. We’re working to find a natural placement where this chick can integrate with its peers and continue its growth and development in the wild.

Ensuring these young birds find appropriate foster nests in the wild is crucial for their survival and future. We’re dedicated to their well-being and are working diligently to facilitate their placement in natural environments!

#wildliferehab #wildliferehabilitation #osprey #coopershawk
 

Our Impact This Year

  • Birds Admitted in 2023

    536

  • Volunteer Hours Rescuing, Rehabilitating, and Releasing in 2023

    10,000

Owl Moon Raptor Center
Owl Moon Raptor Center
Boyds, Maryland 20841
MENU CLOSE