A Place Called Hope

08/31/2026

These two!! Grandpa took them fishing, and they donated their catch to our Eagles. Thanks Cole and Levi for your support. It makes a difference. We couldn't do all we do without support from kind people such as yourselves. Be PROUD!

08/25/2026

This time of year, we are admitting many first year birds who are cases of “failure to thrive”. These juveniles are no longer receiving supplemental feedings from their parents, and they are at the mercy of their environments and the skill set they have tried to develop. Many come down too weak to fly. Which means they spiral downward from there.
While grounded, these birds are at risk for many additional conflicts, including flies who lay their eggs on them, predators, and even mosquitoes. We are admitting many West Nile virus victims. With the wet conditions, and the mosquito populations thriving, many birds/animals can become infected.
While it is true, that Crows are highly susceptible, and unlikely to survive infection, many other species if caught in time have a better prognosis.
Mosquitoes pose many threats to all animals, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis aka EEE. But did you know that mosquitoes also can spread Avian Pox? This virus is contagious among birds and is easily spread by biting bugs. It comes in both “wet” (internal) and “dry” (external) variations.
This hawk has pox lesions on her face and feet. The bird was also suffering from emaciation and when admitted, was already actively dying. We made this hawk as comfortable as possible for her passing.

Please remove any stagnant waters within your own environment to eliminate mosquito larvae from developing. If you see a lethargic grounded bird, see if you can’t place a box over the bird, and then slide something under to fully contain while reaching out to a Federally Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator for next steps.
As always, thank you for caring.

08/25/2026

Enjoy another quick view of the process from start to finish. Another hawk from Glastonbury, but this time, a first year bird. Onward and UPward!

08/25/2026

Enjoy this quick glimpse into the journey of this adult Red Tailed Hawk found in distress in Glastonbury. This bird made it home! She is one of the lucky ones who return to freedom. Thanks to the finder, our rescuer, and our ability to offer these unique services to provide exceptional rehabilitative care. Bravo!

08/24/2026

We often get asked, “What is the most common Bird of Prey you admit at your Center?” So I thought it would be an interesting post.

For our nocturnal (night time) birds, it is the magnificent Barred Owl. This species is doing very well in our State of CT residing in mature forests, wooded swamps, and suburban woodlots. They primarily eat small mammals, amphibians, and birds. They are cavity nesters and often have 2-3 eggs per clutch.

For our diurnal (day time) birds, it is the stunning Red Tailed Hawk. Red Tailed Hawks are also doing well in CT and are a highly adaptable species, and can eat whatever food source is abundant in the area they are residing. They mostly eat small mammals and rodents and are a primary victim to rodenticide secondary poisoning due to their natural diet ingesting poisons. They nest high in the treetops and typically have 1-4 eggs per clutch. This time of year, mid to late August, the fledglings are on their own and many come down due to starvation. We currently have 12 young Red Tailed Hawks in our care… and more will likely be on the way.

80% of the birds hatched each season will not survive. It is the harsh reality of nature… and as a Bird of Prey Center, we are giving many birds a second chance. Boosting young birds back into prime condition to try again. Thanks for your questions!! And as always, thanks for your support.

A Place Called Hope is a volunteer based Center not funded by the State or the Government. We rely entirely on the support of our followers. Your donations go a long way towards direct care of so many. If you would like to support our efforts financially, please visit our website and click on our Donate tab.

Our website can be found at www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com

08/21/2026

A Special Shout Out to Scott Furman, who requested Millpledge North America Inc. the maker of Eaze Off, Bandage, Tape, and Adhesive Remover, donate to our cause. Millpledge obliged with a giant can of Eaze Off and their Rapz Eazy-Tear Bandages. A very valuable box of goodies in our world.

This Eaze Off quest was inspired by a very tragic and sticky situation involving a beautiful Barred Owl and Sparrow. Both birds had become victims to glue paper, together on a large sheet of death, these birds needed help and fast.

Eaze Off is the best by far, for these sticky situations. We had run out of the product during the first round of getting these birds cleared from the horrific and barbaric sticky glue paper that someone thought would make sense to line the bottom exterior of garbage cans. This placement only invited trouble and many non-targeted victims will result.

We feel that all sticky traps, glue traps, should be banned. Until then, if someone is going to choose this ancient and cruel method of pest management, then these things should only be used inside where our wildlife does not experience the consequences.

After three days of careful sessions of sticky glue removal, and dawn dish soap baths, we are sad to report that the Barred Owl passed away in the night. This owl died because of a glue trap. Upon admission, the eye was glued shut, the beak was full of bits of glue paper as the owl struggled to free himself, and the entire body, front and back, were stuck by feathers to this death trap. It was horrible for all of us. The Sparrow, a hearty little bird, was fortunate because he was stuck in a way that kept him from rolling. He not only survived, but he went free.

Please don’t use Glue Traps of any kind… there are better ways to address pests that do not have negative effects on unintentional wildlife. Think past the method and check for yourself what impact your choices may have on others. If the cons outweigh the pros, choose better.

Thanks again to ALL who frantically ordered more Eaze Off to support our efforts! Amazon and EBay were out of stock after all of you jumped in to help!! We are now prepared for the next victim, and unfortunately, we can count on it as long as these traps are legal.

08/17/2026

A quick excerpt of a Farmington Coopers Hawk rescue, rehab, and release journey. A special thanks to Danielle Rivard for going above and beyond to go pick this poor soul up to bring to APCH for care. And then her return to bring this little one home! So many animals/birds rely on YOU to assist our State Wildlife Rehabilitators in this way. It meant survival to this bird. Enjoy!

08/13/2026

Please view this short 6 minute video regarding the issues we are seeing with the overuse of anticoagulant rodenticides as a preventative strategy in our State of Connecticut. It is time we do what’s right, and ban the most deadly, potent, and far reaching Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides across our State. These SGARS should be banned globally.

Excerpt on the damages of anticoagulant rodenticides.

08/12/2026

RANT WARNING triggered by a caller regarding a hummingbird stuck in a garage all day. They couldn’t get it out. They left doors open and left for the day only to return to find the bird in their driveway not moving, but alive. Despite being a Bird of Prey Center, we contacted someone who cares for hummingbirds. They called, but the property owner refused to drive. Complained they wouldn’t know how to get the helpless hummingbird into the car.

It is not enough to just call/text/message a Wildlife Rehabilitator and think that you have done your part. It’s not that simple.
If you come across injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, it is your responsibility to find that animal assistance.
This often looks like containing said animal in a box, dark and quiet. It is NOT on you to feed or hydrate the animal. Just dark and quiet until you can drive the animal to a place willing to answer you and admit the animal as another patient.
Wildlife belongs to all of us. That means your role matters. Wildlife Rehabilitators are NOT PAID to do what they do. Wildlife Rehabilitators often give up normal lives to help “our” wildlife. That means missing parties, family events, vacations, and even a normal routine of self care. Why? Because Wildlife Rehabilitators are taking care of “our” wildlife and in most cases, they are already doing more than they can do.
There are not a lot of Wildlife Rehabilitators for a reason. Your options may be limited. So if/when you find help? Take it.
Your plea for help only to stop there and not finish your good deed is not acceptable. Box the animal and bring to whomever you got to say they will accept another patient.
It’s too far? You want someone closer? You have little kids? You just sat down for dinner but have observed the animal since breakfast? You don’t have a box? You don’t want to “hurt” the animal more than it is already hurt? You don’t want to touch it? You don’t have gas? We’ve heard it all.
While you make excuses, the animal of concern may be worsening. Time is critical when dealing with injuries so the sooner the animal gets into our care, the better chance we have at saving them. We are running in circles caring for the lives of so many and can’t possibly stop what we are doing to drive to pick up the animal you claim you want to save.
FINISH YOUR GOOD DEED.
Wildlife Rehabilitators will advise you on the safest,most effective way to contain the animal according to species, size, ability, etc. If the animal is in a dangerous predicament or a dangerous species still capable of causing harm, it may require experienced individuals, so the rehabber will determine the best course of action. But for most situations, and if the rehabber advises you to put a box over the animal, then slip something under to fully contain, then they have already determined that this course of action is enough to keep all safe. No touching required.
Wildlife Rehabilitators are usually sensitive animal people. Just knowing about another animal in need is haunting. For you to simply stop there and not finish what you started is animal cruelty and torture to the rehabber. To put it all in the laps of rehabbers is burdensome. You obviously care enough to make a call, text, or message… which tells us you too are an animal person. So don’t stop there. Yes, it may be an inconvenience, but to save a life or spare suffering is worth the effort.
If you can’t drive, find a friend, family member, neighbor, willing to assist you in your good deed. Look to a social media transport group for help. Turn the experience into a teaching moment for your young kids. Lead by example. And when you deliver to the rehabber who said yes, thank them. Tell them you appreciate their selfless work. It goes a long way and may even keep an overwhelmed rehabber from giving up and closing their doors for good.
Thank you in advance for caring enough to do what’s best for “our” wildlife. Together we are preserving our wildlife for the future.
Stock Photo off internet, not actual bird in rant story.

08/12/2026

Shout out to some of Animal Control Officers!! Thanks to these professionals, our wildlife gets a second chance. North Haven Officer Dave and Wallingford Officer Mitch are regulars at APCH. Caring for our wildlife is a team effort.