Ursa

Ursa is a is a Harris’s Hawk who hatched in captivity in the spring of 2009. She joined our team in early 2025, thanks to a fellow educator who believed she would be a great addition to our program. Unlike the rest of our flock, Ursa isn’t native to Pennsylvania. Her species thrives in the arid landscapes of Texas, New Mexico, and Central America, often seen perched atop cacti under the desert sun. Still, Ursa has adapted beautifully to life in the eastern U.S. and serves as a powerful reminder that the conservation and education work we do benefits birds far beyond our local region. Ursa is full of personality, with endearing quirks that make her truly one of a kind. She eats a diet of mice and rats—which she loves—and enjoys taking long showers during the heat of summer. With her intense stare and large talons, she looks intimidating at first, but those who know her quickly learn that she’s very sweet. We’re so happy that Ursa now calls the John James Audubon Center home.