Coaldale Birds of Prey Foundation | Budget Adventure Travel

Colin’s Story

The Birds of Prey Centre was founded in 1982 by Wendy Slaytor and Colin Weir as Alberta’s first volunteer wildlife rescue facility.

The Alberta Birds of Prey main building

What began as an act of personal endeavor and passion for saving the raptors, extended in to a lifetime of devotion of caring by a large group of volunteers to build, as it stands today, one of the largest flight aviaries in North America that rehabilitate thousands of injured birds from across Southern Alberta and uses injured and non-releasable birds for public environmental education programs in schools and provincial and national parks.

‘A Very Large Birds Nest’

Little Owlets

Colin brings out two Owlets
Click above to view video

It is a privilege to see such majestic birds up close and personal let along from afar. Most zoos will house some of these birds but you are most likely to see them in their enclosures. I have never held or touched a hawk or eagle or even a barn owl ever in my life; And I have visited many zoos in my life.

Barn Owl poses for Camera
Click above to view video

The Bald Eagle (below) is no parrot. This is one powerful creature that I would not mess with, even one that is somewhat tamer than the wild ones. There is a reason it is the national bird of the United States of America.

(Fact: Canada does not have a national bird but each Province does. The Provincial bird of Alberta is the Great Horned Owl. See the photo at the bottom of this post).

“Either way, the Leafs suck! Scraaawk”

Colin unleashes the iconic Bald Eagle

Holding a Bald Eagle
Click above to view video

Spirit’s Story

Spirit, the Golden Eagle

Hi, kids. My name is Spirit. I am a Golden Eagle. I can fly for many hours and soar high in the sky. From up above I can even see you. I was once shot by a hunter and fell on the road. A kind family found me and brought me to this center. I am well now. But maybe you want to see me in this movie video below where you can hear the humans tell the story about my life.

A sad yet joyful story about Spirit
Click to view this video

The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation is a unique experience and a must see for all adults and kids. If you are passing through Coaldale, near Lethbridge, do make a stop here to see, touch and listen to these majestic birds that are held with such awe and respect by humans.

Demonstration area

Barn Owl

good thing we kept Pepper in the car

(Disclaimer: Every adventure activity carries some level of risk. Participants are advised to carry out their own due diligence, exercise common sense, and consult the tour operator before and during participation in such activity. This article provides only general information about the activity. Therefore, no responsibility for injury or damage occasioned by any person or persons undertaking such activity as a result of the material contained in this post can be accepted by larkycanuck.com)

Want to discover additional fun things to do in Southern Alberta? Check out exploresouthwestalberta.ca for more information.

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Tags: Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Birds of Prey Foundation, Budget Adventure Travel, Burrowingowl, Chinook Country, Coaldale, golden eagle, Great Horned Owl, hold a hawk, Larkycanuck.com, Recreation, Travel Alberta, Wildlife rehabilitation

Category: Budget Adventure Travel, Canada Travels, Travel Alberta