Members of Audubon of Martin County visited the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center to learn about raptors yesterday, out in the wilds of Palm City, Florida.

Bald Eagle and Red-tailed Hawk.

Injured birds and other animals are rehabilitated and released, when possible.

Crested Caracara is a “falconized vulture,” we learned, and a clever bird.

Pelicans had their own swimming pool.

Gracie the Bald Eagle has lived at the center for many years. She is missing part of a wing and will never fly. She fell or was pushed from her nest when she was barely a fledgling and a local rancher found her.

This falcon is probably a hybrid between a Peregrine and a Tundra Falcon and was probably being used for unofficial falconry when rescued from someone’s garage, according to center director Tim Brown.

This bird does not seem to mind being handled and seems tuned in to Tim.

Nice tattoo. I think he likes raptors.

Beautiful feathers.

The visit was a good chance to get close to some amazing birds, though a little sad too to see them tethered or caged instead of flying free and healthy.

“Most of the birds are here because they got a little too close to humans,” said Tim, “so we think it’s right for humans to try to help them.”