Birds that take your breath away

By George Leroy Hunter
MILFORD — Recent visitors to the Delaware Township Municipal Building were startled by the appearance of a large, fierce-looking bird. As the raptor sternly scanned its surroundings, a gasp could be heard throughout the community room.
But Julia, a golden eagle, was not about to go on the attack. She was safely tethered to the gloved hand of Delaware Valley Raptor Center Director William Streeter, and garnered plenty of "oohs" and "aahs." Getting an up close and personal look at such a majestic animal is a privilege.
Raptors are birds — including hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons — that kill and eat other animals for food. They were the stars of the birds of prey presentation held recently at the Delaware Township Municipal Building, sponsored by the Dingmans Ferry-Delaware Township Historical Society. The free event was offered to spread awareness about raptors' importance to the environment.
The Delaware Valley Raptor Center in Milford is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt state and federally licensed organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of birds of prey. Injured or sick raptors brought to the center are cared for with the hope of returning them to the wild. Raptors unable to return to their natural territory remain at the center and leave the premises only when touring.
Powerful JuliaJulia arrived at the center with a broken left leg after being hit by a car in Wyoming several years ago. The leg eventually healed. The accident also damaged Julia's right eye.
Golden eagles are named for the gold and copper feathers on the top of their heads, called hackles, Streeter explained.
“The golden eagle is the most powerful bird in the United States as well as one of the most powerful eagles in the world,” he said.
Golden eagle eat groundhogs, marmots, foxes, cats, rabbits, and other types of mammals. Humans are their main threat, through shooting, trapping, and poisoning, despite laws that protect them.
Adult golden eagles are brown and tawny, and their tail faintly banded. They can be up to three feet long and up to 15 pounds, with a wing span of up to seven feet. Their three-inches talons are twice the length of a bald eagle’s talons. Bald eagles are larger than golden eagles in height and wingspan, but there isn't much difference in weight. They live for between 15 and 20 years.
Golden eagles can be found throughout much of the northern hemisphere — it is Mexico's national bird — but are seldom seen in the eastern United States. They are also found in Asia, northern Africa, and Europe.
Mini MojoA Northern Saw-whet owl named Mojo was spotted by a sharp-eyed motorist one cold night along the side of a road in Greeley. He was underweight and on the brink of death. It is thought Mojo was hit by a car. He was brought to the raptor center for treatment.
In contrast to Julia, Mojo is a diminutive 2.8-ounce adult. Mojo did not have any broken bones but did have damage to one of his eyes. He looks normal but can't see well enough to hunt properly. Mojo will be in the care of the raptor center for the remainder of his days.
Northern Saw-whets have large, rounded heads that lack ear tufts. They are mottled brown birds with a whitish facial disk and white-spotted head. Their eyes are yellow. Juveniles are dark brown with creamy yellow breast and belly plumage.
They can weigh from 1.9 to 5.3 ounces, with averaging around 2.8 ounces, making them one of the smallest owls in North America. They live in tree cavities and old nests made by other small raptors. Some are permanent residents, while others may migrate south in winter or move down from higher elevations. Their range covers most of North America. They mainly eat small mammals which include deer mice.
Harley, a great horned owl, and Neekahna, a red tailed hawk, were also were part of the presentation.
To make a donation, to become a member, or for more information, visit the Delaware Valley Raptor Center at dvrconline.org.
Only members of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center are allowed to visit the facility. Membership year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
The Delaware Township Historical Society organizes tours and special events throughout the year. To make a donation, to become a member, or for more information, visit delawaretownshippa.gov.