Hawk Creek has generated profound and visible effects on the local environment since its inception in 1987 through its many conservation efforts. Our award-winning, internationally recognized barn owl breeding program is the most successful breeding and release of the North American barn owl in New York State. The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) gave Hawk Creek its annual Conservation award for our efforts and success in raising the population of the single most threatened bird of prey in the state. The raptor center at Hawk Creek has released over 170 owls to date.

Their role in nature is to reduce the rodent population, which destroys crops and spreads disease to humans. Now this "friend to the farmers" is rapidly disappearing. In some states, it is considered endangered. In New York, the barn owl is currently on the special concern list.

We began in 1994 with the acquisition of a pair of barn owls from Arizona, named "Screamer" and "Autumn." Surprisingly they bred successfully in 1995! We also set up a second pair of barn owls in 1996, "Athena" and "Artemis" for additional breeding at our raptor center.           

A volunteer veterinarian tends to three young hatchlings

Our project has attracted attention worldwide. The International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) awarded us with their annual Conservation Award for the barn owl project.  Other members of this organization include such prestigious institutions as the London Zoo, Busch Gardens, Disney, and the Foundation to Protect America's Eagles.  In addition, Columbia Tri-Star arrived at our center to film a story about our breeding project.  The documentary features ten high school students from throughout New York state visiting our facility.  These ten students, and their teacher, were lucky enough to able to release 11 barn owls.  The special, "New York Expeditions", aired on PBS stations throughout New York State.

On April 20, 2002, during our Earth Day celebration, Hawk Creek released its 100th barn owl into the skies of Western New York.  Barn owls bred at Hawk Creek are also now are part of educational programs at the Denver Zoo, and at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.   Our barn owls' babies were also featured on Late Nite with Conan O'Brien. 

Husky Injection employees release five feisty barn owls during Hawk Creek's 11th Annual Wildlife Weekend.  Steve Morris had the dubious honor of releasing one of the feistiest barn owls we have seen!  Special thanks go to Husky Injection Molding for their support of the project.

"Free!"