WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, Inc.

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

🦉Hoot hoot🦉 Oh the cuteness🥰! We are kicking off our social media behavior series with 2 juvenile Eastern screech owls. Just by observing them, which one is more relaxed?

We can compare many features of these two, beginning with the eyes.
👁The eyes of the owl on the left are softened when compared to the one on the right. The one on the right is demonstrating some “squinting” 😑behavior that can be observed in screeches. This behavior indicates that the owl has seen me (feeding or cleaning) and that it is pretending to be invisible. It is attempting to camouflage itself with its surroundings.

👣Notice the feet. The feet of both owls are relatively relaxed. The one on the right is substantially younger than the one on the left, so it is learning how to perch based on cues from its older “sib”.

🦉The wings of the bird on the left are slightly pulled in, a sign of some distress, while the wings of the one on the right are more relaxed likely due to it still learning how to perch.

✨Answer: Overall, when looking at the big picture, it appears the one on the left is more comfortable with the situation and teaching its roommate the ropes 😊.

For proper photography of owls check out Audubon’s guide to ethical birding photography.



Reviewed by: The Raptor Center

06/15/2026

Tomorrow marks a series emphasizing animal behavior! Check in Mondays on our social media pages to learn about observing behaviors in wildlife 👍

05/30/2026

Well last night was a huge success 🎉! Thank you to everyone who came out to support WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, Inc.. Wildlife rehabilitators care for animals in need out of the goodness of their hearts (and pockets). It was wonderful to have support from community, family and friends 🥰

We hosted the event at a new venue which was an exciting change with some extra growing pains, but in the long run think it will be worth it. Great things take time and practice and we sure put the hours in 💪🏼

Some improvements for next year will be applying for more sponsorships and increasing the number of wildlife-related vendors. This includes carvers, painters, photographers, animal caretakers etc. If anyone has any ideas here or people they know interested in these, please feel free to share your thoughts.

Shout out to all the volunteers that made the night magical ✨. Couldn’t have done it without you all!

PS if you have photos feel free to share 🤗

05/29/2026

Today’s the day! If you are free, please come out to support wildlife in need tonight at BUFFALO RIVERWORKS. Starts at 6 PM. There will be tons to do and support goes towards a great cause including the cost of feeding our animals, medication, husbandry and more. Kids are welcome! There will be live animals, face painting, photo booth, raffles, food, DJ and good people ❤️. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at the door!

05/21/2026

This little puff is growing strong 💪in rehabilitation after being found on the ground. It is mixed with an adult to prevent human imprinting and will be released back to its family ❤️🦉

05/18/2026

We had a great afternoon in the sun at Newton Farm yesterday supporting its preservation and local vendors☀️🙂. It was wild to say the least 😝

05/15/2026

One of the cutest owls on earth 🌍 . This baby barred owl was found on the ground, but the nesting cavity was not able to be located. It was a few days too young to be put on a branch (we tried), so has to be kept in rehabilitation. It will eventually be released back to the area where its family is located 🥰.

Care for these guys is no easy feat. The owl is weighed daily, fed a specialized diet, fed with barred owl calls playing behind a “prop” stuffy owl to prevent imprinting, and has continuous exposure to nature sounds. Consistent care will get this baby through 🦉❤️.

03/10/2026

Hoot Hoot!🦉 This little Northern Saw Whet Owl was found a couple nights ago by security . Luckily, he was just a bit dazed and confused. After some supportive care, an overnight stay, and a late night meal, he was feistier than ever, and ready to continue his journey on his spring migration.

Northern Saw Whet Owls 🦉 are the tiniest owls in New York State and some of the tiniest across North America. They are found in coniferous🌲 forests, but are difficult to find due to their small size, camouflage, and silent flight. Don't let their cuteness fool you though, they are ferocious predators with voracious appetites 🦉🤗. What is interesting about this species is that they are both predator and prey. So they constantly have to be on the hunt to feed themselves, but also keep their eyes open for predators including other larger owls 😯.

Thank you to the Good Samaritans that came to this one's rescue, even if it was for a brief stay!

03/03/2026

It is never too early to start thinking about spring🐥🌱🌷!

Please save the date! On May 29, 2026, WNY Raptor will hold its annual wildlife fundraiser. The event will be our premiere fundraising event of the year. WNY Raptor and Wildlife Care, Inc. helps up to 200 local injured and orphaned wildlife in need throughout the western New York region. We receive calls when other organizations may be closed and are often the first line of defense for animals that are defenseless themselves. The event will take place at Buffalo Riverworks on May 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:30 pm. Tickets are $55 (link in comments). We will have food, beverages, raffles and music!

Here are some pictures from years past, so you know what you are getting into 😝