ORLANDO, Fla. — Beyond the gate at the Audubon Center in Maitland are some of Central Florida’s most treasured birds of prey. While some may find these “raptors” menacing, to volunteer Maggie Haynes, they all need a little TLC.

“I actually am here because of the birds. The very first time I came here, and I saw this, I said, 'I belong here. I need to be involved in this center.' They didn’t know it, but I was never going to leave,” Haynes said.

What You Need To Know

  • Maggie Haynes has volunteered at the Audubon Center in Maitland for eight years, informing people about the importance of caring for birds of prey
  • The Audubon Center in Maitland has been around since the early 1900s, and volunteers help provide for the center and help birds in need
  • The center is a place of refuge for injured birds of prey to be nursed back to health or stay permanently, getting the care they need to survive

Haynes started her journey center about eight years ago, and she has willingly taken on many tasks.

“I really started to join Eagle Watch, where I monitored eagle nests from the ground around our city. I then joined our docent team where we learn to give tours on sight and off sight for guest that come in to teach them about raptors,” Haynes said.

She also works at the front desk, greeting visitors with a smile and educating them on birds in the habitat like the falcon she showed off named Susie.

“Susie is 7 years old, and she came to us with a wing injury. You might be able to tell that one wing hangs a little differently than the other,” Haynes said.

Haynes has made it her mission to help educate people on the birds so that if they find one injured like Susie, they can get help before it’s too late.

Audubon Center Director Katie Gill Warner said volunteers like Haynes help keep the center running day in and day out.

“Maggie has jumped in and volunteers in so many areas. We are just appreciative of all she has gotten involved with, and she inspires and trains other volunteers that help grow our team here at the center,” Warner said.

Haynes said she will keep coming back to help the birds and also help people understand how important they are to the people who live among them.

“I think the main thing I wish visitors would learn is that we can be better human beings,” Haynes said, meaning better human beings to watch out for birds of prey.

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