The staff of the Shaver's Creek Raptor Center on Monday released an immature redtail hawk that had been nursed back to health at the center.

"He was here a few weeks. We don't know what was wrong with him, except that he acted very sluggish," Raptor Center Assistant Janna Atwell said.

Volunteer Joe Cavinato expected Monday's release to be a highlight of his time at the center.

"Birds give you a sense of perspective. They are a conscious thing man has to be involved with and they each have their own character," Cavinato said. "They make you realize that we have to start caring for this planet."

However, not all the birds cared for at the center are released; some make their permanent home there.

Beauty is a blind, redtail hawk who could not survive on her own in the wild. She would be unable to sight prey or defend herself in a fight with another redtail.

Most of the 30 birds cared for at the center are hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and a turkey vulture. The center is part of the department of leisure studies at the University's College of Health and Human Development.

Bubo, a great-horned owl and center resident, was used by the Game Commission to attract birds for banding, Atwell said. Shortly after he was released, Bubo flew into a car, and one of its wings had to be partially amputated.

"It's a shame that when (Bubo) was so close to freedom he had to be brought here," said Cavinato, a professor of business logistics.

Shotgun blasts and cars caused most of the injuries of birds currently at the center, Program Director Jeff Feldman said.

"If there is litter along the highways, mice build nests there," Atwell explained. "The birds go after the mice and don't see the cars as dangerous."

One of the main functions of raptors, or birds of prey, in nature is eating rodents, thus helping to control rodent populations, Atwell said.

The center also offers school and public programs to educate people about raptors.

"Children seem to enjoy the Birds of Prey shows, especially the owls," Atwell said. "Teachers always say they have never seen children so quiet. They're fascinated by the animals."

"We try to give children more respect for the birds' niche," Feldman said. "Then they are less apt to go out and kill them."

Other birds suffer from pesticide poisoning, which can take place inside the egg or result from parent birds being exposed to pesticides.

When a bird first enters the center, it is treated at a small hospital building equipped with needles, syringes, medicine and recovery cages.

Most exciting to the staff is the flight pen, where recovering birds regain their flight skills.

The center depends on volunteers like Atwell and Cavinato and interns on stipend from the University.

A major source of funding is corporate and group sponsorship of the birds. The Adopt-A-Bird program provides funds for veterinary bills, food, new facilities and cages.

"Scout troops and companies are our major backers," Feldman said. "Metz Hatchery in Bellville provides chicks for feeding."

The center also receives roadkill deer from the Game Commission as an additional food source.