Itasca's raptors now have new guardians

A Barrington-based wildlife rehabilitation group officially has taken control of Itasca's popular raptor program

Village officials this week approved a three-year, renewable agreement that allows Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation to establish another bird care hub at Itasca's Spring Brook Nature Center.

The arrangement doesn't cost Itasca any money, and Flint Creek must comply with certain requirements set by the village.

Last month, the village board agreed to dissolve the raptor program, but dozens of concerned volunteers and fans of the program urged officials to keep the birds of prey.

Flint Creek, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center that has another branch in Chicago, entered the scene at the same time. Now the organization will move into the nature center within the next couple of days.

Itasca officials describe the outcome as a win-win situation.

"I'm happy that we can keep the bird program at no cost to the residents," Trustee Mike Latoria said Thursday. "I think it's great that a board who decided to cancel the birds is open-minded and listens to its residents, and is big enough and bold enough to change our minds."

Through the transition, Flint Creek will maintain the raptor program, which allows the public to study the birds in a hands-on, up-close learning environment.

Flint Creek also will bring back the bird rehabilitation program that was cut several years ago due to low funding. The group also will market the nature center while marketing itself.

Village Administrator Dave Williams said former raptor program helpers who wish to remain volunteers must apply with Flint Creek and go through the new group's volunteer process.

"I know that this was an emotional issue to a lot of people," he said. "But we have evaluated Flint Creek, and I have tremendous faith in their commitment."

The board took this route because it gives them an opportunity to expand and save the raptor program.

"It would have been irresponsible for us to not take advantage of this opportunity," Williams said.