Well, okay. But "raptors" also refers to birds of prey -- eagles, owls, and hawks, just to name a few.

There are about 20 species of raptors found in North Carolina, and if you soar into the Southern Pines Public Library on Tuesday, July 25, you'll be able to meet a few in person. As part of the "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" summer reading program, the Carolina Raptor Center will be presenting information on these predators from the sky. Children in grades K-5 are welcome to attend.

Located in the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve near Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center uses birds of prey to educate the public about the importance of conservation efforts. According to its Web site (www.carolinaraptorcenter.org), the Carolina Raptor Center has admitted over 11,000 injured and orphaned raptors since its inception. Currently around 700 injured birds a year are delivered to the Center by the general public, veterinarians, or wildlife officers.

Unfortunately many of the birds are injured as a result of human interference. Collisions with vehicles, windows, fences, and wires are common, as are injuries due to poisoning (accidental and intentional), leg-hold traps, and gunshot wounds.

Other times the raptors become trapped in warehouses and chimneys. Some are simply young birds that were kicked or blown out of their nests.

About 60 percent of the birds injured during the year can be released back to the wild, usually in the same area where they were found.

All birds released by Carolina Raptor Center are banded for identification, and the number of birds released in that area is recorded to prevent territorial overlap.

Want to learn more about these fascinating feathered friends? The Carolina Raptor Center will be presenting their program at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25. (Please note that seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis for this event.)

For more information, call the Southern Pines Public Library at 692-8235 or visit www.sppl.net.