Spirit Filled Wings 501(c)(3)
What is a raptor?
A raptor is a bird of prey; hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and osprey.
Raptors have:
- hooked beak
- large talons used for tearing the flesh of their prey
- they catch their prey live
Many people are afraid of raptors, but they are very beneficial to our environment. Raptors help to balance the environment, so we do not have an excessive amount of rodents: If you have an explosion of rodents, such as mice or rats, you don't have enough raptors in your area.
Raptors come in many different sizes and colors, from the tiny Sawwhet Owl, to the large Eagle. We live with many different species of raptors. Some you may see and many you may only hear. Probably the most familiar raptors in Michigan are: Red Tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp Shinned Hawk, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and Barred Owl.
However, many species migrate through Michigan, such as, SawWhet Owl, Long Eared Owl, and Snowly Owl. It is believed that the SawWhet Owl and the Short Eared Owl may be making a comeback. Rough Legged Hawks, & Red Shouldered Hawks also migrate through Michigan.
And, of course, we have eagles! The osprey is making a slow comeback, and you may see them around the Michigan area lakes.
Top: Red Tailed Hawk, Middle: SawWhet Owl, Bottom: Immature Bald Eagle
