The Carolina Raptor Center provides a home for more than 30 birds from all over the world. | Photo by CLTtoday
Whoosh. An owl soars past my head after stepping into a wooded aviary with the team at the Carolina Raptor Center (CRC).
Fun fact: “Raptor” means bird of prey — including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures.
The owl doesn’t fly far before being carefully caught for a medical examination. After being found tangled in a soccer net, the bird has been in rehabilitation at CRC before its upcoming return to the wild.
A Carolina Raptor Center volunteer examines a rehabilitated owl.
Photo by CLTtoday
This owl is one of thousands of birds admitted annually into CRC’s Raptor Hospital. This medical facility provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned raptor patients 365 days a year. Every bird is treated with the goal of returning to the wild. Since being established more than 40 years ago, the hospital has treated 26,000+ birds.
Editor’s note: The public can monitor the progress of current raptor patients online.
“I think a lot of people think working with animals mean you spend lots of time to cuddle with them, but I knew very early on it was a lot of hard work,” said Sunny Cooper, the CRC’s Hospital Manager.
The 57-acre center found in Latta Nature Preserve took flight in 1981. It was founded by UNC Charlotte ornithologist Dr. Richard Brown and student Deb Sue Griffin after treating an injured broad-winged hawk.
Today, CRC serves as a lead organization in rehabilitation, education, and research for birds of prey native to the Carolinas and has grown to host 30+ resident raptors from across the world — including the African fish eagle and the Andean condor — serving as “avian ambassadors.”
CRC’s Hospital Manager took City Editor Jack to watch a rehabilitated barred owl be released into the wild.
Photo by CLTtoday
Curious about the owl we mentioned? Cooper released the owl a few days later.
Carolina Raptor Center welcomes the public to visit + provides opportunities to donate, volunteer, and contribute to raptor conservation.
Events
Events
Monday, Nov. 4
Monday Vibes! Industry night | 5 p.m. | Members Only Tasting Room & Social | Cost of purchase | Start your week with good vibes + cocktails while networking in a casual lounge space.
Blind Flight Night | 4-10 p.m. | Dilworth Tasting Room | Cost of purchase | Put your senses to the test tasting a unique collection of wines while blindfolded.
Unwind Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Founders Dairy Barn at Dairy Barn Entrance, Fort Mill | $7-$14 | Release stress + recharge your body and mind during this outdoor yoga session.
Wednesday. Nov. 6
Topgolf Tournament & Fundraiser | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | TopGolf Charlotte University | $44+ | Improve your swing while networking with food and drinks benefiting the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
McNinch House Restaurant Presents Italy Uncorked | 5-7 p.m. | McNinch House Restaurant | $40 | Prepare your palate for a trip around Italy while tasting an Italian wine selection and hors d’oeuvres.
“People are welcome here.” Gov. Roy Cooper and country artist Eric Church recently visited Grandfather Mountain and Banner Elk, declaring tourism has reopened following Helene. The governor predicted most of the 1,300 roads closed statewide from the storm will reopen this month. (WCNC)
Open
Speaking of reopening... The National Park Service restored 23 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway after being closed following Helene. Access has returned to 17 miles of the parkway near the VA/NC state line. Another six miles reopened near Mount Pisgah.
Development
A 335-unit apartment complex at The Pass in Noda has topped out. Sorella is a $100 million development at 530 E. Sugar Creek Rd. Tenants will have a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Completion is slated for September 2025 with the first units opening in May. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Drink
The founders of Protagonist Beer and Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters plan to open Antagonist, a new cocktail bar inside The Campbell near South End in spring 2025. Heads up: Antagonist will encourage a no-cell-phone use policy during evening hours.
Sports
The Charlotte Knights announced a $4.4 million upgrade project. Upgrades include a new main scoreboard + enhanced ribbon boards throughout the ballpark. This is the first video technology refurbishment project since Truist Field opened in 2014. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Listen
Quarterback Bryce Young led the Panthers to the team’s first home win of the season, defeating the Saints 23-22. Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Take it from the experts: If you smoke or vape, stop. But even nonsmokers can get lung cancer from secondhand smoke, air pollution, asbestos/radon exposure, or family history. That’s why everyone should schedule a lung screening. (Don’t have a primary care doctor? Find one that’s right for you.)*
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
The Buy
The Buy
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I had a blast touring the Carolina Raptor Center. Thank you to the team for letting me get up close to this gorgeous barred owl. Follow our Instagram for my full recap coming soon.
