PLEASE NOTE: We are currently building a new home for some of our Raptor Ambassadors, and as a result, the Birds of Prey Field will be closed from Monday October 28 to Friday December 20, 2024. Our captive birds will not be available for viewing or programming during this time. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.
Stop by our Birds of Prey Field to meet our raptors and their caregivers, who will be busy feeding and training the birds! This unique opportunity not only allows visitors to engage with our hawks, owls, falcons and vulture but also to get a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day operations of amazing our animal care staff!
What is a raptor?
Not the dinosaur! The word raptor is derived from "rapere," a Latin word which means to seize or capture. More specifically, a raptor is a bird of prey. A bird of prey is a carnivore that eats mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, rodents as well as other birds.
Many birds hunt, kill, and eat meat, but they may not be raptors. There are three distinguishing traits that make raptors different from other birds:
- hooked beaks with sharp edges
- feet with sharp, curved claws or talons
- keen eyesight
Meet the Wye Marsh Birds of Prey on Sundays at 1:00pm for a live, educational demonstration on these beautiful Raptors - including about their species, habitats, diets, fun facts, and more!
*Please be aware that a ‘flying bird’ is not guaranteed during these demonstrations as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme heat, and poor air quality; most of our ambassadors suffer from pre-existing health issues, and the possibility of individual personalities’ off days can prevent safe flight for all involved.
** We are excited to be starting renovations on our bird barn shortly after Thanksgiving and anticipate they will last until mid-December. For this reason, we may not be able to offer regular programming during this time. Please speak with Animal Care Co-Ordinator Johanna by emailing jrumney@wyemarsh.com, but any and all programming will be modified during this time in the interest of the birds.
Meet our Educational Raptor Ambassadors:
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All of the Animal Ambassadors who live at Wye Marsh can be symbolically adopted. Sympolic adoption make an excellent gift or tribute. Proceeds support the care and enrichment of the Raptors & Reptiles who call Wye Marsh home.
Meet our Birds at a Raptor Rendezvous
This 1 1/2 hour program is designed to give visitors an exclusive opportunity to spread their wings and dive deeper into the fascinating world of raptors.
We offer Raptor Rendezvous programming geared towards adults as well as youth!
Feather Get Together
This 50-minute program provides an up-close encounter with a few of the Wye Marsh’s spectacular hawks, owls, or falcons, either indoors or outdoors.
We ensure that our birds have the best care possible. We are an accredited facility and follow all the regulations in place by both Canadian Wildlife Services and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. We apply for and hold special permits for our animals and are subject to at least annual inspections by different organizations including the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Canadian Wildlife Services.
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