Charlotte NC| The Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville
June 18th, 2008 Categories: Things To Do Charlotte
The Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, NC- Nature, Fun, and Thrills
by Kelli Robinson
Between the cardinals dining at the bird feeder outside our kitchen window, and the house finch family that has established residency in a hanging plant on our porch, my kids and I have become quite the bird watchers this spring. With that in mind, I thought they would enjoy seeing birds of a different feather flocking together, so we headed to the Carolina Raptor Center (CRC). Located inside the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in Huntersville, NC. The Carolina Raptor Center is home to over 100 raptors, or birds of prey, that have been rehabilitated from injuries too severe to permit their return to the wild. The birds reside permanently at the center, enjoying their new role as ambassadors for wildlife conservation and education.
The self-guided walking trail is perfect for children: It’s shaded and short! My three-year-old daughter was able to walk the entire trail. The map provided at the beginning of the trail is easy to read…and my son’s appointed “Keeper of the Map” role made him feel very important. I explained we were on a mission to find raptors, and off we went.
Aviaries are located throughout the trail, containing raptors of all shapes and sizes, including hawks, owls, vultures, and eagles. You encounter the three bald eagles at the end of the trail, and they leave a lasting, majestic impression. Each aviary provides information about the type of bird, as well as specific information about the actual bird you’re viewing (its given name, the nature of its injury and recovery, etc). My kids liked this. Instead of learning some facts about bald eagles, for example, they learned about “Dante,” one of the resident eagles who suffered permanent wing damage when his nest fell from a tree. Putting a name to the face made the visit more personable and impressionable.
There is a lesson to be learned at the Carolina Raptor Center- to treat wildlife and the environment with respect. On the weekends during the summer months, CRC educators offer programs that give visitors a more in-depth visit, such as “Backyard Tails – a free flight program,” “Behind the Scenes Tour,” and “Meet the Keeper.” Next time we go, we’ll likely venture there on a Saturday or Sunday. But today’s visit offered a shaded stroll, up-close views of some beautiful birds, and capped with a picnic lunch at the end. Not a bad way to spend a Monday!
The Carolina Raptor Center is open seven days a week, year-round (except for New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day). Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for students; free for children under age five. Directions to the center depend on your starting point, but it’s easily accessible from I-77.
Take your camera! If you think eagles are impressive on television, just wait until you see one 20 feet in front of you!
Thanks Kelli! Like this post? Check out Kelli’s last post Jetton Park in Cornelius, a family favorite
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