Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, Pa, has received a $6,866 grant from the Gloria M. Young Ornithological Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation to support the care and maintenance of its four resident live raptors: a red-tailed hawk, a screech owl, an American kestrel and a great-horned owl.

While Hawk Mountain is famous as place to watch wild hawks soar during migration, the four captive raptors are used in education programs to teach visiting children and adults about birds of prey, their adaptations and the importance of raptor conservation. Each bird has suffered an injury and been rehabilitated, but the extent of its injuries prevents a successful return to the wild.

“Our birds are now feathered ambassadors for education, and each one makes an immediate and profound impact on children of all ages,” says Hawk Mountain President Jerry Regan.

“Caring for the birds is a daily necessity and a significant expense, so this grant will make a tremendous difference,” he adds.

6/25/2012