Audubon Birds Of Prey
I used to drive by a sign to this place very often for years and was always intrigued. It is a place where one can bring an injured bird of prey so they can fix it up and then release it back into the wild. I finally watched a show called "Wild Florida" where they were showing the center and explained how people could come visit the place. I was there the very next weekend. It is located between Eatonville and Maitland. As I walked inside the gate, there was a gentleman standing in a corner holding a red shoulder hawk. Quite an impressive specimen. Right behind him there is a little gate that leads into a small patio area where they have a bunch of ”permanent ambassadors". A few birds that were injured enough that are not able to return to the wild anymore, so they get drafted into a modeling career. They are all beautiful creatures that serve as a reminder of how important it is to save our wildlife. That being said, as a photographer, I was a bit disappointed that I was not going to be able to take many good shots because the birds were inside that enclosure behind bars. Decided to go around the area anyways to look at them. I stood in line to buy my admission ticket and the volunteer saw me with a camera and asked if I wanted to go inside her office to take a front shot of the eagle. I thanked her and went around the back.
As you make your first turn to the side of the building there are a few huge cages with some amazing birds in them but not designed for pictures. Lots of very small mesh to stop the birds from leaving. It’s still a very educational walk around the enclosures. There is also a lake behind the property that offers a great view.
As you come back to the building area there is a back porch you can enter into, where they show a movie about the place. Imagine my surprise as I opened the door to find 6 small raptors tied to their perches within 10 feet from my lens and no mesh between us. I took a few shots. Walked inside the building and there I saw 2 open windows. Both are open into the patio where all those "ambassadors" are perched. Took a few shots there and then went up to the lady that asked me to come in. She has an open window leading to one of the eagles. Little bugger loves to pose. I only got like 3 shots because I was so nervous being in her space like that. I am going back though. Now that I know the setup I am going back. No food to be had on this one. There are some wonderful restaurants in the winter park area worth checking out though.
Center's information:
Location:
1101 Audubon Way
Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 644-0190
Center Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00am – 4:00pm
Closed Mondays & Holidays
Admission
Adults - $5
Children - $4, under 3 are free