The Cascades Raptor Center is one of Eugene treasured gems. Cascades Raptor Center is a nature center and wildlife hospital that visitors can check out all year-round. They have about 40 raptors that live there and have been rehabilitated and are use in educational programs. The birds that can be rehabilitated enough to be released back into the wile are released, but the ones who can’t live in the wild on their own become permanent residents. The raptor center is often one of the first places people think of to call if they happen to find an injured or orphaned baby bird. Springtime is a common time when you might find baby birds that appear to be on their own. But make sure you know how to spot a bird that actually needs help, and know what to do it if does need help.
On their website, the Cascades Raptor Center staff says to call them (541) 485-1320 to speak with someone on staff if you observe a bird with the following conditions:
- Visibly bleeding or limping
- Cannot run/fly away when you approach
- Tangled up (in fishing line, power cables, etc.)
- Unconscious
- Very young, with no parents in sight
It’s probably fine if you see a bird that:
- Is flying or walking normally
- Runs/flies away without difficulty when you approach
- Not visibly impaired
It’s also probably fine if you find a very small opossum alone — Virginia opossums leave their parents at only 5 months old! Or if you find a fawn (baby deer) by itself.
Visit the Cascades Raptor Center website for more information about what to do if you think you have spotted a wildlife emergency! Thanks for keeping your eyes out for wildlife that may need help!
