Freedom came today (Wednesday, 8/17) for 4 young wild birds who were rescued as nestlings by Saint Francis Wildlife.
The release took place at the City of Tallahassee Spray Field off Tram Road. St. Francis Education Director Sandy Beck said the organization’s director Teresa Stevenson and other staff found the four Mississippi Kites almost two months ago.
“They rescued them as orphans in Tallahassee and raised them and now they’re ready to be set free,” Beck said prior to the release.
She added there are already thousands of Mississippi Kites spending the warm months in the Spray Field. Wednesday morning, their number grew by 4 as the young birds were released to join the flock. One of those taking part in the release, Keith Baxter, the owner of Tallahassee’s Cool Beanz Café.
“I mean it’s exciting for me; hopefully it’s exciting for the bird to go to where he’s going. It’s a thrill!” Baxter grinned.
The local Mississippi Kites will fly to South America in a few weeks to spend the winter. They’ll return to Tallahassee in the spring.
