Cascade Raptor Center in Eugene Oregon

http://eraptors.org/

https://www.facebook.com/eRaptors

With Wildlife Safari there are important conservation and educational points, but it is a very large area designed to let you see animals.  Cascade Raptor Center is kind of the reverse.

They are a nature center, with educational programs and a focus on increasing respect and appreciation for nature, but they are also a wildlife hospital, and there are many of the birds that will not be seen, to reduce their stress and prepare them for their return to the wild. The birds come first.

Knowing that, it is amazing how many birds you are able to see. Their structures are large, allowing the birds a fair amount of space and separation from the spectators, but you are nonetheless able to view many birds, including owls, hawks, and falcons, and can learn a great deal about them.

Signage is excellent, identifying species and information about them, but also giving information about the individual birds. So we find out that this snowy owl is Archimedes, and you can submit a friend request on Facebook, or that this Northern saw-whet owl, Tiresias, appears to be congenitally blind.

Mainly we just followed the paths, stopping at each enclosure and marveling at how beautiful each bird was. From the parking area you can easily find the main building, where you pay your admission and can find maps. There are also educational displays in here.

Outside there are two main paths, bisected by the parking lot. It is pretty easy to cover the entire area in a short time. I was pleasantly surprised to see Corvids in there with the birds of prey, because I have a thing for crows.

There was one thing that I thought was kind of funny. On the upper path there was one enclosure being constructed, and I saw some movement on the other side that turned out to be a black-tailed deer browsing. There was a bench right there, so I sat down to watch, and I heard some noises behind me. Two turkey vultures, who had been perched up high, had flown down down to the floor of their enclosure, and were watching me. I cannot help but feel like they were hoping I was on the verge of expiring. I wasn't.

Although in Eugene, this is in the wooded hilly outskirts. It is easy to miss the entrance, and there is walking up and downhill.

We liked it, and we feel good about the work they are doing. One thing one of the staff told us is that they have five veterinarians with different specialties that help them, so they have someone for eyes, and other people for other things. Also, while visiting hours are limited, rescue hours are not; they are always on call. While admiring these magnificent creatures, it is good to know that they are in good hands.