https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/home daily 1.0 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631300585266-0QP4QL1ZECK1SO9BM6XM/DSCN8335.JPG Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1622587429096-VNAKD7LI0MXAW4TEBANP/Screen+Shot+2021-06-01+at+6.41.07+PM.png Home - FOX 13 Interview FOX 13 Tampa Bay Interviews Nancy About The Mission of the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1622588725785-O9LBGF7225BSTL74C6UN/rctb-home-body-burrow-owl.jpg Home - Raptors and much more. The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay rescues, raises, rehabilitates and releases hundreds of wild native birds annually across central Florida. This includes Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and Sandhill Cranes. Still, we must turn down some birds because we don’t have space, and the closest rehab for some of these species is 100 miles away. Join us in helping find new land. In addition to rescue, we provide transportation and facilitate solutions for non-bird of prey species; deploy rapid response teams to treat and transport to the best facility for the species; host environmental; nature education teaching events for the general public, including children’s programs; and work in conjunction with utility companies and other corporations to provide solutions for avian conflicts to reduce mortality. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/donate daily 0.75 2022-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631121767728-RNNF69ZLSAQJNK2ZLNNE/bird+transporting+June+7+2019.jpg Donate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631131426415-QRPJIZ2ZS8BIAEE3MORD/rctb-title-shop-raptor-tiles.jpg Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631132128940-AXSKHQZB2ITC23LANT2K/Mosaic_1476-golden+eagle-SAB+%283%29.JPG Donate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631131687299-9GYMJK29ZEY3L5YL78HT/yzoVmnQ6_400x400.jpeg Donate https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/what-we-do daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/0d1c82d5-24cf-4395-820a-663d8219373d/IMG_8630.jpeg What We Do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/21545c09-7381-4232-b0e9-9368969dff22/DSC_1571-black-bellied+whistling+duckling-SAB.JPG What We Do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/112d245d-5464-42d3-b09d-147589a996a6/IMG_4907.JPG What We Do https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631127996475-CXB8517REA0YMM75C2OW/car+owl+3.jpg What We Do - Our Rescue Policy The main goal of our rescue efforts is to get the proper medical care and treatment needed for native Florida wild birds. With the help of good Samaritans who find birds and then find us, local law officials and our volunteers, The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay helps rescue over 600 birds annually. Upon rescue each bird is given a full examination to best determine its best course of treatment. We work with a variety of veterinarians and partner rehabilitators in the area. We try to respond to most calls within an hour. We are 100% dependent on volunteers, we strive to respond quickly and professionally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/b2f18a91-bf93-4fdb-8e8f-aabc5f76d5b2/274760005_1861129360943641_6432415781716874139_n.jpg What We Do - Our Rehabilitation Methodology Our vets are not on site so the birds have to be transported to and from the vets. In many cases the best place for care can be well over 100 miles away from us. Support our cause to build the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay to rehabilitate our local birds, locally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/fc6a96e0-6141-4152-a6b5-bf54e649e4fc/DSC_0773-red-tailed+hawk-rlse+%281%29.JPG What We Do - Flight Factors We Take Into Account When Releasing A Bird https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/picking-up-a-raptor daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630965248009-2AA1NXXKPSA4BZ258QUX/PicsArt_01-27-08-30-25-Red-Shoulder.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Red-shouldered Hawks A smaller hawk which are the most common and plentiful hawk in this area. In Hillsborough County we rescue more red shoulders than any other type of raptor. Red Shouldered Hawks are aggressive and quick. They will grab you or bite you any chance they get, if they feel well enough. They can be strong and depending on what gloves you use they can put their talons straight through them into your hands. Be careful! Once you have rescued a few of them you will see they really are not hard to get. It's good to use your big net. They can go in a medium-small sized carrier. They can benefit from a tail-guard. ( Photo courtesy of Ed B. Karlander ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630965067413-E4JTDGPIJJXT7RHK8HWR/red-tailed-hawk_1676449384.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Red-Tailed Hawks A large female red-tail can be as big as a small male eagle. They are very likely to try and grab you no matter how bad of shape they are in. They have big strong feet and long talons. Like Osprey and Eagles, these birds require a larger carrier. The Red-tailed Hawks that we rescue are typically very badly injured. These are birds that if non-releasable, if young they can be placed. These hawks are smart. When pursued they can hide masterfully. They will run from you and given the chance will tuck themselves up under bushes and stay perfectly still making it difficult to see them. Don't give up the rescue, keep looking! They are camouflaged well. Use caution when picking up a Red-tailed Hawk. If they foot you (grab you with their feet), most like you will need another person to help get the bird off of you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630964822186-IR3BIX2QI594YICSR9BC/DSC_5664-Immature-Eagle.JPG Picking Up A Raptor - Bald or Golden Eagles Eagles are the largest bird of prey that we have in Florida. In order to rescue a Bald Eagle you should be experienced handling them. We advocate always, if possible, having two people present at the rescue. We also request that if you receive a call for an eagle directly, immediately contact the center (813-205-1851). Eagles can run like vultures, especially juveniles. They bite and if they grab you with their feet, they have 350 pounds per square inch (PSI) gripping strength in each foot. If grabbed would you will need a second person to pull their talons out of you. Bald eagles can severely harm you or in a freak situation they can kill you. Unless you are experienced, please do not try to rescue one alone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630965007416-FAMIRYVQZ4BEZK9MV7EN/osprey_521062366.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Osprey Osprey, or fish hawks, only eat fish. Their talons are very long, curved and sharp. Because osprey can virtually hover over the water looking for fish, their eye sight as well as their wing structure and its strength are critical to their survival. As Osprey began to fledge, we pick up a lot of juveniles, especially in Pinellas County. These birds are not hard to rescue. They will typically fall over on their back and display their feet. That is your opportunity to grab them. If an osprey has a broken wing there is rarely an instance when we can save it. They are a bird that does not like to be in captivity so an unfixable (non-releasable) Osprey is rarely going to be a candidate for placement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630966308257-HR606CKOVNBW0HZVVRCA/screech-owl_41069893.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Eastern Screech Owls Small with very sharp talons and an amazingly strong grip for such a little bird. They can be very feisty. Like all owls, the screech owls click their beaks a lot. This is a sign they are upset. When you rescue them you actually want to hear that! When you pick up a screech, use a smaller net if possible. Frequently you will not need a net. Injured and sick screech owls tend to sit in one place with their eyes closed. Birds that don't open their eyes when you touch them, rarely survive. Frequently you can put a towel around them and pick them up. Small as they are wear gloves or you may be bleeding from little pin pricks where you had to pull their talons off your hand! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630966103808-YS3AEEJZTBVTX1IYAG9H/Lettuce+Lake_0681-barred+owl+%284%29.JPG Picking Up A Raptor - Barred Owls Most frequently found in areas near water, rescues can be tricky. Barred Owls tend to come from more rural areas. They are hit by cars a lot and are found just standing on the side of the road out in the country. We have experienced a lot of eye injuries with these owls. They are not a hard bird to rescue. They can grab you with their feet and if given the chance will bite you. When found as babies, as long as they are healthy, can be re-nested in the cavity where they hatched or in a Barred Owl nest box. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630966257259-OUQJXXL02UEQYR9P9VOE/Brndn_1753-great%2Bhorned%2Bowl.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Great Horned Owls The flying tiger! They are the strongest bird of prey with 500 lbs. psi gripping strength in their feet. Their talons are shorter than an eagle and less curved. When we get calls on them they typically are not a hard rescue. The thing to remember with a Great Horned Owl is under NO circumstances let them grab you with their feet. They are much smaller than a bald eagle but make no mistake, their talons will go straight through your glove, your hand or fingers. Until you are comfortable handling raptors, these are best left to experienced rescuers. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630966412939-WOWGIMEVCG4N0Z934NJ3/DSC_6966-3-Kestrel.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - American Kestrels The smallest falcon in North America and likely the only falcon that you will rescue in this area although Peregrine Falcons migrate through here in the spring and fall. Crested Caracara, found south and east of Hillsborough County are also considered a falcon. Like screech owls, kestrels are small but still can grab you and bite. They do not hurt as badly as a screech owl and all other larger birds of prey but they will draw blood. Their beak is sharp and is designed in such a way that allows them to break the necks of small birds and animals, killing them quickly. If they bite you, or grab you and you are not wearing gloves, it's going to hurt. They have small legs and are delicate birds. Use care when rescuing them and do not exert any force on their legs or wings, they can break. Use a smaller net if you have one. Kestrels become imprinted quickly. If you pick up a baby kestrel minimize contact with it. When we feed baby kestrels we feed them with a mirror in a camo tent so they cannot see us. This is important. They can become imprinted, when they are small almost instantly. ( Photo courtesy of Ed B. Karlander) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631034765699-42AVTKKAXIML2OZ8XBLJ/LPZ_1449-coopers+hawk+%281%29.JPG Picking Up A Raptor - Cooper’s Hawks These birds are very high strung and act well . . . typically crazy! We get them out of pool cages and calls for them in buildings. When they are in a building we refer the company (they are usually in warehouses) to a falconer in the area who can legally trap them. Refer any call for a hawk in a building to your coordinator. Cooper's Hawks are smaller than Red Shouldered Hawks. They are extremely fast moving birds. When they are healthy a Cooper's Hawk can fly low and run through brush after other birds. Their diet is lots of birds and some small mammals. These birds tend to get themselves into all kinds of trouble. If they get the opportunity, they will grab you. They are difficult to manage in captivity. They can have problems in crates. They have long tails and should be transported with a tail guard. If a tail guard is not available, put a towel or pillow case on the inside of the crate door to minimize damage to the tail during transport. A bird that gets damaged feathers may have to wait until it molts to be released. Remember that can be up to a year increasing the cost of rehabilitating the bird exponentially. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631034932670-FZ73430AOL2WL9FRR5UE/Oxford_1415-swallow-tailed%2Bkite%2B%252815%2529.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Swallow-tailed or Mississippi Kites Swallow-tailed kites are delicate birds. Their feet seem more like a parrots. They are small. Mississippi Kites are not common in this area. Rescue of either of these types of kites requires expertise. Like some other birds of prey, they are not difficult to catch and pick up. The Swallow-tailed Kite has an extremely long and delicate tail. A tail guard should be put on the bird prior to transport. Currently we take Swallow-tailed Kites to The Avian Reconditioning Center in Apopka Florida. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631035029750-4HA2FQI8AXBK1HUH724A/Medard+Pk_6035-black+vulture-juv.JPG Picking Up A Raptor - Black Vultures They are extremely smart birds. They can run like lightening! Vultures are easier to rescue with 2 or 3 people. They can live on the ground injured for a long time. The longer they have been on the ground, the worse their lice are. A spritz of Adams flea Spray is helpful to kill them right away (be careful not to get in their eyes, nose or mouth). They run down in swampy areas and hide and you can easily lose track of them. It's not uncommon for us to have to go back twice to rescue one. Some (not all) vultures throw up as a defense mechanism. As you could well image, if they do the smell is awful. Vultures bite. They do not grab you with their feet but they will bite you given the chance. Get a hold of their head, as you were trained and don't hold them where they can reach your face! The hardest part of a vulture rescue is running them down. With a broken wing they will still jump 4-6 feet over fences if you let them. If you put them in a box, tape it up extremely well. They have been known to break out of cardboard boxes. A note on baby vultures. If you pick up a white fuzzy baby vulture, you must minimize any contact with them. These birds become imprinted quickly. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631034974575-HOMY0VZI80TBYS9RGRLW/Balm_0505-burrowing+owl-rlse+%2823%29.JPG Picking Up A Raptor - Burrowing Owls Once common through-out this area they have all but vanished. There is a small colony at MacDill AFB and some up on Power Line Road. The rest are on private lands and many are monitored by environmental consultants for companies like Mosaic. These are small owls that are easy to rescue if away from the burrow although it is rare and uncommon to see them in our area. That being said the one we have rescued came from Westshore Plaza in Tampa. They can be captured with either net. If they are near a burrow try and get them before they run down the hole. If they do run down in a burrow, call for help. ( Photo courtesy of Roger Newell ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631035105974-8ZUKZ8KGUV8NBKSUMSXH/turkey-vulture_1473592121.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Turkey Vultures They are big birds! Bigger than a black vulture they can be about the size of an eagle. Rescuing them is the same as a black vulture. We don't rescue as many Turkey Vultures as we do Black Vultures. These birds are migratory and do not usually breed here so we have not rescued any baby Turkey Vultures to date. Vultures & Crested Caracara can be extremely difficult to catch even when they are hurt badly. They can run 8-10 mph. You must have a net and be in good physical shape to go after them. If you have any type of disability that would put you at risk running after a bird that can out run you, out jump you and requires extra physical endurance, vultures or caracara should not be on your list of birds to rescue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631035202343-WH44RJJEV9FFUMDJONWM/caracara_1804035088.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Rarer Birds in this area you may rescue are Peregrine Falcons (see Cooper's Hawk instructions) , Merlins (Kestrel Instructions) , Crested Caracara are harder to rescue than a vulture and always require more than one person, preferable 3-4 people to catch them. Golden Eagles (Bald Eagle Instructions), Sharp-shinned Hawks (Coopers), Northern Harriers or Snail Kites can come through this area although we have never rescued either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631035152819-4JBYJOQAUU7JEZAXZ8XW/barn-owl_1557192320.jpg Picking Up A Raptor - Barn Owls They are a rarer owl in our area. At one time, these were the most common owl found though-out the world. Today their numbers have diminished as are their habitat and desired breeding locations, old Water Oaks, hollows of dead trees and of course in old barns, they are torn down. These owls are not a hard bird to rescue. They can grab you with their feet and if given the chance will bite you. Most calls for rescues are for old trees being cut down and they find babies inside. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/news daily 0.75 2022-02-25 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/whos-in-florida daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630955242069-FREPC337J14OP3DBX5UY/DSC_6966-3-Kestrel.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Ed B. Karlander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1622678468128-AOI51V9VKQKGCH34RU8N/rctb-raptor-bio-pic-osprey.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Anz3L AtomS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630961978161-QFEOJTBIY46UQJH8HET0/PicsArt_10-31-05-59-29-Immature-Eagle.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Ed B. Karlander https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630955565203-PE642DA5P291DY7ACPXB/Brndn_1753-great%2Bhorned%2Bowl.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Roger Newell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630963181677-8DU16MXQ93YM1MTXSMP8/rctb-title-news-screech-2600.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Anz3L AtomS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630963744548-K0KTQBDC1MXD8TTTEQ9K/red-tailed-hawk_1676449384.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Anz3L AtomS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630959105970-IZVD5O3OOL3S2UY5Z0JD/LPZ_1449-coopers+hawk+%281%29.JPG Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Roger Newell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630959316397-60GP9D2KOPEW8AOG6I2K/Oxford_1415-swallow-tailed+kite+%2815%29.JPG Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Roger Newell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630959444488-9Q2UL3NCBZPF580GOAMW/Medard+Pk_6035-black+vulture-juv.JPG Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Roger Newell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/d3d6f6ca-935f-48a4-8ba8-c8af09b4ad20/Caracara_SR70_1.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo Courtesy of Anz3L AtomS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/4e7d8208-4110-4a3f-b235-773383d5915a/IMG_4807.JPG Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/f029e996-6064-47fe-bcc4-f212a7046a75/2nd+set+of+barn+owls+in+flight+cage+2.jpg Who's In Florida? | Raptor Center of Tampa Bay Photo by Nancy Murrah at the Raptor Center https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/raptors-the-law daily 0.75 2021-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631036440340-Z69IE0B3IU9ZHRXU8KI7/DSCN1737+-+Copy.JPG Raptors & The Law - Florida requires permits for wildlife possession, exhibition and sale. Florida has nearly 1,300 native species of fish and wildlife. It also is home to nearly 300 species of nonnative fish and wildlife. FWC enforces the statutes and regulation governing Florida's wildlife industry. FWC officers routinely conduct inspections of ours and other facilities to ensure humane treatment and sanitary conditions are in place for the animals, and cage and security requirements are adhered to for public safety. The FWC's regulations, relative to cage sizes, safety and humane treatment, are among the most stringent in the nation. Visit https://myfwc.com for more information about Captive Wildlife Rules and regulations. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/hazards-for-raptors daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1630083113087-7O3FQK7ML9KFVVJZW7DB/RCTB-Hazards-Chart.jpg Hazards For Raptors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/whos-who-at-rctb daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/e1674d22-d309-4f91-a300-3f158a9b25ec/Whitney+in+flight+cage.jpg Who's Who at RCTB - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/cbeb8f96-5eee-450f-a13c-818635335e2b/image0+%285%29.jpeg Who's Who at RCTB - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/b240c2bf-7c15-4c46-8c1f-bdbf72198cbb/IMG_20230530_093948.jpg Who's Who at RCTB - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/32ab360b-130d-41ae-a1fb-893f64c5a1ce/Kim+r.jpg Who's Who at RCTB - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/c9449f08-d356-4eae-8671-d82db7b172a3/Eagle+Release.jpg Who's Who at RCTB https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/who-we-work-with daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/history-of-the-raptor-center daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/412e76a2-3485-47d4-aab3-c2ddd4f5b94f/2015-03-22_Release_of_HL047_taking_off.jpg History of the Raptor Center - Introduction to the Raptor Center and Our History The mission of the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay continues to evolve. We have worked for the last four years on building our skills and honing our focus from solely rehabilitating hundreds of birds and small mammals each year to a focus on finding a suitable piece of land to build a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We are focused on rehabilitating wildlife with the goal of release back to the wild and to serve both the residents and visitors of Hillsborough and Polk Counties as well as surrounding areas with wildlife solutions and conservation experiences. We have grown to have strong partnerships with Hillsborough County Parks and Conservation Department, Polk County Sheriffs Animal Control, as well as local corporations such as ampa Electric Company and Mosaic. Our goal is to create a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and create a visitor experience that sparks the next generation of conservationists. We are fortunate to have a Board of Directors and a strong volunteer base committed to advancing our mission and embracing the values that are detailed in our Plan. Even as we pursue these exciting initiatives, we are rescuing and treating our precious wildlife. We continually seek funding for the 1000+ birds and animals we rescue each year in addition to fund and build a new wildlife rehabilitation center in this area. There is so much work to do to capitalize on all that this area has to offer. We are thankful for the time and resources that our board, members, volunteers and donors contribute to The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay. We hope that you will join us in our future endeavors to advance the work outlined in this Strategic Plan. Sincerely, Nancy Murrah Board President Federal and State Permitted Wildlife Rehabber https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/event-calendar daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/fb20f005-befb-4c01-9a07-a7276ded58b4/fairy+event.png https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-09-01 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/terms-conditions daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/donate/raptor-cages daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/adopt-a-raptor daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/8de3ac5a-dcd8-4543-8366-49d6c7e8393d/IMG_9461.JPG Adopt A Raptor - Make it stand out Puck, Crested Caracara, Animal Ambassador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/dfbea4e8-1cc1-4c7c-ac32-a8d721742de7/IMG_9458+%282%29.JPG Adopt A Raptor - Make it stand out Carmen, Educational Ambassador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/27b7a771-ad5b-4398-b76d-112905b81c69/image_6487327.JPG Adopt A Raptor - Interested in a visit by Puck the Crested Caracara or Carmen and Moon Pie, Bitsey, or Twinkle Toes our Eastern Screech Owls or Chirp our American Kestrel? Get More Info About Animal Ambassadors https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/become-a-member daily 0.75 2022-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/70d34f3e-4753-4085-9c4b-0535a07621d9/image3.jpeg Become A Member - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/29af39c7-9619-4a4b-a467-b219ff2b2bdd/image2.jpeg Become A Member - Make it stand out Membership Levels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631311370185-4BLR8G13MD8HQL8E5TIN/5+wk+old+GHO%2C+Pierce+3-18-19.jpg Become A Member - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/9b2ff5ba-48d9-4b8c-95f5-5f357ffc1a24/Puck.jpg Become A Member https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/become-a-volunteer daily 0.75 2022-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/c09040a5-cdd7-4159-a639-dcb92f347a8d/susan+with+baby+owl.jpg Become A Volunteer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631124878146-E0IPZMU5O1C1W3LF7M3L/volunteer_Lexi-225x300.jpeg Become A Volunteer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631125149534-X8HV920AF1GV5GYKQMZK/volunteer_education_01.jpeg Become A Volunteer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/1631125116903-R7M7IX9KLWZJGFC7FN8M/DSC_1229.JPG Become A Volunteer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/b3c38b38-ec01-4d7d-b4c6-997d20ec8596/DSCN8341+%281%29.JPG Become A Volunteer - If you transport, remember to turn in a Transport form with every patient. When we are inspected the first thing FWC wants to see is “your paperwork.” No matter which way we try it is never easy to keep everything and every bird straight. The way to help lighten the burden for our rehabber is to make sure you submit a form each time you rescue or transport a bird. If there are multiple people involved in transport, the rescuer should initiate the paperwork. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/wonders-of-wildlife-festival daily 0.75 2025-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/6ce58338-393c-4e73-80bd-ff0cc4f73195/Zeffy+Thank+you+Letter.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/cbd5d72a-b13e-45dd-8020-791b86ad961e/The+Wonder+of+Wildlife+Color.jpg Wonders of Wildlife Festival - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/strategic-objectives daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/cceeeea8-9a13-4559-a3f3-20e997bbefa8/kim+eagle.jpg Strategic Objectives - Strategic Initiatives We are committed to inspiring environmental awareness through creative education. Our Bird Bus brings hands-on learning directly to the community, while our engaging puppet shows teach children about wildlife and conservation in a fun, memorable way. Complementing these programs, our upcoming children’s book, “I Can Save the Planet,” empowers young readers to take action and become stewards of the natural world. Events and Activities Create an organizational infrastructure to support a series of events and activities that engage a diverse audience and continue to expand and enhance our signature events by: Increase sponsorships, as well as paid and donated marketing, communications and advertising. Strengthen partnerships with outside organizations to assist in planning, funding, and promoting. Signature Events will include our Puppet show, Bird Bus, and the Wonders of Wildlife Festivals. Marketing and Public Relations At the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, we bring the awe of wild birds to the public mindset—sharing rescue stories, celebrating successes, and inviting supporters into our mission of conservation. Through powerful visuals, meaningful storytelling, community events and digital platforms, we cultivate a network of advocates who are inspired to protect our native wildlife, support our work, and act as ambassadors for the natural world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/55691de3-77e0-4ccc-a2c9-04f34d017601/marla.jpg Strategic Objectives - Mermaid Marla - Ocean Conservation Education Programs Our Educational initiatives include a minimum of 12 programs a year that celebrate the natural environment and conservation that drive the educational experience and facilitate learning through: · Delivering a scheduled program, the third Friday of each month held in local parks and conservation areas. · Create digital content and web-based experiences to our curriculum to accommodate distance learning. · Offer our outdoor programs as a educational resource for schools, community and youth organizations. · Strengthen our connections with local colleges and universities by offering internships and other educational opportunities. Build an outdoor open-air classroom to accommodate social distancing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/2e547c5a-1f64-424a-8ed3-ac3557f9c5e2/eagle+logo+revised.jpg Strategic Objectives Fiscal Resources and Finances Increase and diversify our revenue stream to meet operating expenses as well as for future capital projects. Secure individual, company and corporate sponsorships. Include fundraising as a part of each activity, program, and event. Seek and apply for grants. Advocacy Advocate for land to build our center and function as a green space for public enjoyment and conservation education and engagement. Pursue Corporate resources and funds to acquire land and build the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center that the Tampa Bay Area and surrounding counties so desperately needs. Infrastructure Strengthen the Board through the recruitment of diverse Board members. Provide training and create a succession plan for each of our key positions. Enhance the entire process of recruiting, training, mentoring and rewarding of volunteers. Acquire Land by 12/31/2022. Get, buy or build a clinic. We already own everything to outfit it. Build 12 - 8 x 8 x 8 rehabilitation cages. Build 2 large flight cages locally. https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/magicalbirdbus daily 0.75 2025-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/f5c74814-344a-4164-b936-39ec1bda9b48/IMG_2616.jpg https://www.raptorcenteroftampabay.org/sandhill-cranes-in-crisis daily 0.75 2024-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/8261d729-7dd5-492b-8f18-d403c907aa82/20231104_192600.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/4376554b-57bd-4142-9ba3-109160b48dfc/20231103_195158.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/2cd62d3d-1ea4-4249-a64d-0e9715521ef1/Screenshot_20231031_161339_Photos.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/7c73bb27-2ee6-41b7-8fca-534a34325f0c/20231103_144011.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/63b40ca7-8ba0-4607-9d0f-17eaefb02688/20230604_152319.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60b69bd9eb641737f8838799/4d177d7d-074b-4f8b-8c29-b1dbe43792a8/IMG952019030495115633580.jpg