The Birds of Prey program at the Rockford Park District began at Atwood Center around 1997. The program started with a great horned owl and red tail hawk. Since that time, enclosures have been added and modified to fit different needs and expansion as birds were added to the program. The program now houses 8 birds: A bald eagle, a red tail hawk, a barred owl, a great horned owl, an American kestrel, a turkey vulture and the two newest residents, a pair of eastern screech owls. The old structure was made entirely from wood and sat on a soil base. Over time, it began to rot and repairs were constantly needed. With the new structure, the use of a galvanized frame sitting on a concrete base will reduce rot and help provide a more sanitary environment for the birds.

Atwood has both federal and state permits to care for a number of birds of prey. All of the birds of prey housed at Atwood Park have been deemed non-releasable. This means an expert has decided these birds, because of their injuries, would not be able to survive in the wild. The birds are a critical component of the Rockford Park Districts Environmental Recreation and Education program and are used as aids in the Rockford Park Districts strong environmental message to preserve and enhance natural habitat.

New Exhibit Highlights:

Indoor housing for all birds
Accessible path entrance with welcome signage
Enhanced education signage
On-site workroom that allows access to all enclosures
Accessible tree house

Accessible Tree House Features:

The tree house allows guests to have a birds eye view of nature in action throughout Atwood Park, since the tree house will be elevated 8 to 12 above ground. The tree house is even more unique because children and adults with mobility issues have access to the amazing views, possibly for the first time in their lives.

The Rockford Park District Decided to utilize galvanized frames because of the durability and cleanliness for the birds. The rot on the old cages was unsightly for the visitors and housed mold which was unsafe for the animals and viewers. With the new structure there will be no issues such as these to worry about. Galvanizing fits perfectly into their strong environmental message of preserving and enhancing nature since it is recyclable and safe for the environment.