Who we are, what we do, and what we're planning

If you could see through the eyes of a bird of prey, what do you think you would you see? Wildlife Educator Lyle Russell walks you through the journey of three raptors, introducing the dangers they face in our world and the importance these amazing birds in our environment Lyle Russell is an author, blogger, ISA certified arborist, wildlife educator, and podcast host originally from Tampa, Florida. He is a member of multiple genealogical societies, with ancestral links in the United States back to the Mayflower landing. In April of 2021, Lyle and his wife Valerie founded the Middle Tennessee Raptor Center, a licensed non-profit wildlife rescue that helps injured birds of prey return to the wild. Injured raptors that cannot be returned to the wild become Raptor Education Ambassadors. Lyle and Valerie perform about one hundred education programs per year for schools, festivals, church and civic groups, along with scout camps and summer day camps. Their programs focus on raptor conservation and the importance of these amazing birds in our ecosystem. When he’s not writing, blogging, or creating podcasts, Lyle enjoys traveling to education programs with his birds, woodworking, reading, hiking and falconry. He lives in the heart of Middle Tennessee. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We had a tremendous amount of successes in 2022, and a few tragedies. Take a look at this mashup to learn more about what we do at MTRC.

Murf is a juvenile Red Shouldered Hawk that made an amazing recovery from Avian West Nile Virus and was released right back where we found him. Watch here!

Scarlet the Red-Tailed Hawk was caught on a barbed wire fence and fighting for her life until 6-year-old Allie found her and came to the rescue. Watch Scarlet's story here!

Tuck survived a bad car strike to make his way back out into the wild. See his amazing recovery and release here!

Kermit was found tangled in rigging from a frog gig and hanging from a tree. See his journey back to the wild here!

Mr. Weasley was found on the side of an interstate with a hole in his side and wing and a raging infection. Sixteen days later, he was healed and back to the wild. Check out his story here!

Tec is a Cooper's Hawk that got into a manufacturing building. He was successfully treated and released, and we were honored to be a part of it!

Pearl the Barred Owl healed up from a car strike and got her chance to return to the wild at the Normandy Dam in Normandy, TN. Check out the video to see this beautiful owl head back out into the wild!

Journey, one of our long-term rehab residents, finally got her freedom day in May of 2021. Check out this video to see our favorite girl take flight!

Falconer Valerie Russell offers education programs for all ages, including: Elementary & Pre-School groups, Homeschool groups, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Weddings, Reunions, Boy and Girl Scout events, Clubs and Leadership Meetings, Corporate Picnics, and Private Family or Individual Sessions.

Three happy minutes of Hera the Prairie Falcon taking a bath in her water dish.