Audubon Center for Birds of Prey — Attraction in Maitland

Wonderfully nestled in a quite residential community within Maitland (steps from Eatonville), this place is an oasis that is well built and designed for the medical and living care of birds. It reminded me of nature centers back in PG County, Maryland that I frequented but with a botanical garden element. I loved the winding trails that have informative nature stations, shaded bench areas to socialize with the birds (Animal Speak - favorite book), the pier/covered gazebo dock to enjoy the private Lake Sybelia, and the flora throughout with informative botanical details. The property is adequate in size and well managed and cared for. I appreciated the library styled reading rooms in the house, for adults and children, to sit learn more about nature and the Audubon Center. On my visit, I was introduced to the pioneer of his time, John James Audubon. From my initial impressions, I am delighted with this place and commend the philanthropic support that has been gifted to this organization and champion on-going efforts. As someone who understands and appreciates nature, the care (and associated costs) of animals, and the value/maintenance of property, the entrance fee is more than reasonable. (In reality, being this close and in the presence of such majestic but powerful beings commands pricelessness.) The animals are healthy and some are visibly injured but seem to be on the path to recovery in this beautiful rehabilitation sanctuary. I couldn't help noticing the healing energy I felt personally the moment I walked in the gates and the water fountain greeted me. The day/night before, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness" - Charles Dickens. It was Saturday in downtown Orlando, I enjoyed a lovely performance, discovered Lake Eola, and loved the vintage decor and past time vibe of Mathers Social, but I was unexpectedly disrupted on my journey. I was "prey" to a disconnecting discourse. All is forgiven, I know the heartbroken aftermath was unintentional. Eventhough my angelic wings aren't seen with the human eyes, I too needed healing after that wound opening injury and maybe a bodyguard with Don't You Know That? lol. Nonetheless, as I continue to revive, I thank the Magpie's for guiding me to finally visit Audubon Center (messages received), I thank the surrounding nature Bald Eagles, Vultures, Kites, Owls, Hawks, Flora, and Lake Sybelia for allowing me to share in the rehabilitation/renewal vibrations (goddess Hebe's resilient energy) in this place of refuge, as I reminisced on the healing sounds of whistling, all of which helped me to mount up with wings as eagles, and last but not least, I thank God, myself and those who appreciate my unique values, interests and...

This place is not only full of beautiful birds it's also full of people that vaulenteer or work there not for the monetary gain but because they saw a real need to step in and do a part in saving the wildlife that human beings take for granted and are consistently destroying their habitat, their home. These birds just like all wild animals don't have a voice, they don't get to protest or defend their homes, it's so sad what we have done to our planet and with little concern to the balance of us verses wildlife, we win-they lose, we are ignorant to the fact that in the long run the earth will balance itself and when it's us against mother nature we will lose. I'm proud that their are small groups like this doing their part to help, we all need to become aware of the problems we as mankind are causing so it is important to bring your children to places like this to educate them. They need to know what is being done for the birds, and what they can do to help. If only we could really educate our youth, not to become consumers, not to only be cogs in economy machine, but really educate them to live to make the world a better home for all beings that are so blessed to be born on this oasis in space. This Earth does not belong to any single being or group of beings, this Earth is a ark for all Life, Life is precious, life should be cherished and Loved, all Life has one thing in common, plants and animals, are all trying to survive, I think we all deserve more than that, we where born on Earth which is the perfect place for us all to Thrive! Please watch "Thrive" on YouTube also watch "billions for change" and ask yourself what can you do to make the Earth a better place to live for someone or something else. I personally pick up trash when I am waiting for someone, or when I have time off, it's not much but I think about how clean it would be if 1% of people did that, it would be great if the few people that do throw trash out their car window would wait and use a trash can at the gas station, and who knows, maybe seeing me pick up the trash inspires someone to change that bad habit. The point is to ask yourself if everyone did what I am doing what would the world be like? If it would be better then do it, if not then don't. It's time we all take responsibility for not only ourselves but all Life and the environment we all share. I admire everyone here at The Birds of Pray for taking responsibility for these beautiful beings of Life. Thank you all for doing our home planet...

This place is a real hoot! All puns intended. My girlfriend and I visited this center yesterday for something to do thanks to groupon. The volunteer at the front was very kind and happy to see us. He explained the self guided tour and how the sanctuary works.

The place was clearly old, but well kept and the grounds were clean. It was rather small, but that makes me happy assuming they return more birds to nature then keeping them haha.

It was neat seeing all the birds they had, from eagles to owls. This place has been around for a very long time. The last time I visited was with my Nana when I was 9, it's one of my favorite memories with her. It was great to see this place still doing what it can to help our local wild life. Fun fact: my parents and I had a Red Tail Hawk who was injured and fell in our backyard when I was a kid. No one would help us till finally we found this place and they came out to rescue it since it was an endangered species. His wing was injured, my mom told me yesterday they kept him since he couldn't be returned to the wild. So I wonder if he was the Red Tail Hawk I saw in one of the enclosures.

It's very neat what this place does and I really enjoyed my visit. When you get half way through I suggest take a walk on the bridge to the lake. It was very nice to sit at and in the water there are Lotus flowers growing. They were so pretty.

They give you a booklet that explains the birds in the enclosure. Great place for families and kids. Expect to spend an hour to hour and half if you're one of those people who stop at every enclosure and take it all in.

4 out of 5. Nothing super exceptional but excellent what they do for the birds and that they allow the public to visit to get better knowledge of their...