Rehabilitated birds of prey set for release on Lake Buchanan
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Vanishing Texas River Cruises gives visitors a chance to see birds up close and watch rehabilitated birds be released back into the wild. Photo: Courtesy of Vanishing Texas River Cruises
After months of rehabilitation, several birds of prey will be released on Lake Buchanan this weekend.
Why it matters: The Austin area is home to raptors year round, which serve as pest control and an important indicator of a healthy environment and food chain.
Driving the news: For over 30 years, dozens of raptors have been released back into the wild through a partnership between nonprofit Last Chance Forever and river cruise company Vanishing Texas River Cruises.
- On Sunday, the two groups — along with roughly 50 spectators — will team up again to send off "at least one owl and maybe a hawk or two," Kelly Rayner, educational and facilities director at Last Chance Forever, told Axios.
- "It's a really nice place to release. Most of the birds that come through here are actually natively found in that area," she said.
Catch up quick: Vanishing Texas River Cruises has operated on Lake Buchanan, two hours northwest of Austin, for over 40 years, offering rides up the Colorado River to give visitors a glimpse of native plants and wildlife, including tours to spot bald eagles that winter in the area.
- Owner and captain Shawn Devaney teamed up with Last Chance Forever over three decades ago for a bald eagle release on his boat. They've since expanded to releasing other birds on the cruises.
What they're saying: It's been several years since their last boat release, Devaney said, and tickets are selling fast.
- "Everybody can see the birds up close and talk to rehabilitators about the history of the birds," Devaney told Axios.
By the numbers: San Antonio-based Last Chance Forever takes in as many as 300 injured birds each year. For some, the rehabilitation process can take years.
- The group has a return rate of 65-80%, and those that can't be fully rehabilitated — and are not suffering — can be used for research, as surrogates for orphaned young and for educational purposes.
- Some of the non-releasable birds are used on the cruises to educate visitors and give them a chance to see the birds up close.
Between the lines: Lake Buchanan's low water levels have made the river inaccessible to boats.
- Devaney offers a lake cruise and private charters in times of drought.
If you go: Only a few tickets remain for Sunday's release, at $75 per person. Bring binoculars and a camera.
- Devaney expects to add additional release dates this year.
What to watch: This weekend's gloomy weather shouldn't deter birders, Rayner said. Cold, windy days are often the best time to spot bald eagles.
- Rayner will also be looking out for pelicans, ducks and cormorants.