Two great horned owls flew freely for the first time in their lives Friday, released in Eddie Woodin’s back yard in Scarborough after a year of rehabilitation with the Center for Wildlife in York.

“We’re trying to get the word out that there’s hope for these birds,” said Woodin, who is heavily involved with supporting Maine Audubon and places like the Center for Wildlife. Along with his wife, he’s turned his back yard into a habitat for anything from birds to butterflies.

The Center for Wildlife, founded in 1986 by a veterinarian, takes in all sorts of critters, including squirrels, hawks and owls.

“It’s come a long way,” said Karen McElmurray, the center’s director. “It was just one of those grassroots organizations in the beginning.” Now the center is rehabilitating about 1,500 birds and mammals a year. On Sept. 21, the Center released two broad-winged hawks.

The released owls will be a year old in February and have about a 50 percent chance of survival. If they live, they could grow to be 2 feet tall with a wingspan of 50 inches, and they can eat animals up to three times their weight. Owls in captivity have been known to live for 30 years.

“Now they’re on their own,” said Woodin. “They either make it or they don’t.”

Karen McElmurray, left, with Kristin Lamb, Lorisa Ricketts and Eddie Woodin discussed the best place to release the birds within Woodin’s yard in Scarborough. Even with thick gloves, this young great horned owl left a mark on Kristin Lamb’s hand. Kristin Lamb released the first of two great horned owls last Friday night. Kristen Lamb, left, with Eddie Woodin and Lorisa Ricketts had to cut a leg tag off of one of the owls.