AUDUBON CENTER FOR BIRDS OF PREY
AN AUDUBON FLORIDA SPECIAL PLACE
by Katie Gill-Warner
Tucked away in the heart of Central Florida you will find a special gem housing some of Florida’s top predators. It is not the typical theme park or “thrill ride” you might think, but a face to face view of a Bald Eagle that gives you goose bumps. It is the sounds here, which make this place just as special as the view. The hoot of an owl, the call of a Bald Eagle and the trill of an AmericanKestrel create a memorable experience to anyone who walks through the gates. A leisurely stroll along the pathto view the aviaries brings many new experiences. I never dreamed of being so close to a Bald Eagle; their furrowed glare and intimidating feet are what amazes and intrigues a person to want to learn more. One of the few places in Florida, where you can see these predators is Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, a unique urban environmental Audubon Center, which is my favorite Special Place.
The Florida Audubon Society has a great history in Maitland, Florida. On March 2, 1900, the first meeting of the Florida Audubon Society was held at the L.F. Dommerich estatea short drive from the Center. The list of early officers included: N.Y. Governor and later U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, Florida Governor W.D. Bloxham, American Museum of Natural History's Frank Chapman, Rollins College President G.M. Ward, Stetson University President J.F. Forbes, and the editors of the state's largest newspapers. Many of the members were snow bird residents, coming here by train and residing here only in the winter months. A little later, the list grew to include additional presidents, governors and famous ornithologists. They met in homes and sometimes on college campuses; all with the vision and mission to stop the plume trade and the massive destruction of wading birds being killed for women’s hats.
Today, Audubon still advocates for the protection of birds and the important habitats that support them. The Center began in 1979, by a staff member, who at that time wanted to offer a place to help take care of eagles and other birds of prey. Today, it is the premiere raptor rehabilitation Center east of the Mississippi River. Located on just 3 acres in the middle of two diverse neighborhoods, the Center hosts interactive exhibits, aviaries that house more than 18 species of raptors, a butterfly garden, the historic Audubon House and a small man-made wetland near the lake, treating runoff from the nearby roadway. Each of these areas offers learning opportunities for visitors and guests, with the opportunity to apply what they have learned to their everyday routine to help conserve water, save energy and protect habitat for birds.“Nature is awesomely designed; raptors are a prime example of nature at its best” states Dianna Flynt, Rehabilitation Supervisor at the Center. “We share Audubon’s conservation message on a daily basis by educating guests about the amazing abilities of the special birds.”
Also based at the Center, Audubon hosts one of the state’s premier Citizen Science programs; Audubon EagleWatch, which has volunteers in 42 counties in Florida monitoring more than 20% of the states’ nesting population of Bald Eagles. Audubon staff and the EagleWatch team have contributed to the states success of this signature species. From just 88 nesting pairs in 1973, Florida now has over 1,400 nesting pairs.
The small staff and team of volunteers treat over 600 patients annually, educate more than 30,000 individuals, and monitor approximately 275 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. Funding continues to be a challenge with reductions in school budgets and other competing sources. The Center is not supported by state funding, but through generous foundations, individuals and corporations. As Florida grows, so does the potential of wildlife conflicts competing for the same resources. Florida has so much to offer, I hope my children and grandchildren have the opportunity to always have the chance to see eagles and other birds of prey soaring the skies and catching prey. As one of my 5 year olds says “off to your eagle work mommy?” “Yes, Jack and you can visit me here again soon.”
This column is one in a series from Audubon Florida. Katie Warner is Center Manager of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. For more information about the Center go to For more information about AUDUBON FLORIDA and its “Special Places” program visit All rights reserved by Florida Audubon Society, Inc.
Birds of Prey walkway
Katie Warner with Friend