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Bailey leaves Avian Haven in Maine

Bailey the Osprey Heads South!

Dear Friends of Bailey,

I am pleased to report that yesterday morning Bailey was transferred from Avian Haven in Maine to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida as their 799th raptor patient of the year. She continues to be in good hands as the Florida Center has treated more than 20,000 raptors.

Bailey departs 2

Bailey in Travel Box

Bailey was driven to Boston’s Logan Airport, placed aboard a direct Delta flight to Orlando and met by staff from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. According to the Center staff she “looked fabulous” on arrival. She will be placed in a 55’ long flight pen with two other ospreys where her recovery will continue. Bailey’s assisted migration to Florida was just ahead of an advancing Arctic cold front that dropped the first snowfall of the year in Maine. This was great timing for Bailey as ospreys prefer warmer temperatures. It’s interesting to see the layers of clothing that Bailey’s holder in Maine is wearing and the contrasting t-shirt of her receiver in Florida! The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey will post occasional updates about her progress on their Facebook page here!

It is with great pleasure that I thank the staff of Avian Haven for their great care for Bailey and for arranging the transport to Florida. We are very pleased that her recovery will continue at this important Audubon facility that specializes in the recovery of birds of prey. Somehow it seems appropriate that Bailey has found her way from one Audubon Sanctuary to a new Audubon home. Both Hog Island and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey are owned and managed by National Audubon Society.

Bailey arrives

Bailey welcomed to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Florida

Many thanks to the many Bailey friends that made gifts to Hog Island for Bailey’s support. More than $3,000 was received from 85 friends for Bailey’s care at Avian Haven and her transport to Florida. An additional $1,500 for Bailey was received by Friends of Hog Island and these funds will go to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey to help support Bailey while she continues to heal. She is one lucky osprey to have so many friends!

Steve Kress, Director Hog Island Audubon Camp