The Wildlife Center is in the process of revamping many of the outdoor enclosures that house raptors that are part of our education “team” – hawks and owls that are permanent residents of the Center and that travel with our staff to programs at schools, libraries, and county fairs across Virginia.

One of the first to move is Edie, an American Kestrel who has been at the Center since 2005.  Edie has moved into an enclosure that formerly housed Gustavo [a Barred Owl].  Many of the wooden slats have been removed from the sides of that enclosure and replaced with wire mesh, creating a brighter, more airy but still secure space.

Among the features of Edie’s new “upgrade” are:

A new shelter box

A swing

A large water tub [Edie 'celebrated' her move by immediately taking a bath]

A platform perch, with branches, located at the front corner of Edie’s enclosure.  This seems to have become a particular favorite for Edie and enables her to keep an eye on what’s going on all around the compound.

More about Edie

How did Edie get her name? 

Fans of “The Sopranos” and “Nurse Jackie” could probably figure it out … since the Latin species name for the American Kestrel is Falco sparverius.

Edie is one of the animals available for adoption through the Center’s Caring for Critters program.

Your donation will help support the Center’s work with Edie … and with 2,500 wild animals in need.