Flight Log - Volume 2, Winter 2011/2012

W h e r e E d u c a t i o n a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n Ta k e F l i g h t

Winter 2011/2012 Volume 3

Our Mission Teton Raptor Center helps birds of prey through education, conservation and rehabilitation.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of conservation biologists, veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, educators and volunteers working to help birds of prey and promote environmental health through educational programs, conservation initiatives, medical treatment and rehabilitation.

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Raptors

by Emma Detrick Grand wings carry them through the sky with a lofty air.

No eyes can see their true life, No ear can hear their proud words, Only the heart can feel, the rumbling life, the royal eyes, the stunning appearance, the awe, Of a raptor.

Only when one is in peace, surrounded by natural life, can they soar with the eagle, with the hawk, with the falcon, with the owl.

Way up high.

from The World of Raptors 3-D created by Wilson Elementary School 5th graders and Wild 4 Nature in 2010. This book is a special collection of 3-D photographs featuring Teton Raptor Center’s Resident Raptors, complemented with poetry and haiku written by the students and inspired by birds of prey.

Š Photo courtesy of Irene Greenberg/Natural Images

© Photo of Roger Smith with Gus, a TRC resident Golden Eagle,

by Mel Mann

Board of Directors Patti Boyd Dan Forman, D.V.M. Tom Hill, Treasurer Christopher Knowlton Porgy McClelland, Vice-Chair Ed Opler Lisa Lord Price Nancy Shea, Secretary Roger Smith, Chair

Advisory Council Terry W. Campbell, D.V.M. Len Carlman Dr. Matthew S. Johnston, VMD, DABVP-Avian Mark Pokras, D.V.M. Bert Raynes Patrick T. Redig, D.V.M. Kat Taylor John F. Turner

TRC Staff Laurie Boss, Administrative Associate Jason Jones, Program Director Amy Brennan McCarthy, Executive Director Meghan Warren, Fall Intern

Contact Us p: 307.203.2551 f: 307.200.6020 e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org w: www.tetonraptorcenter.org

Mailing Address Teton Raptor Center P.O. Box 1805 Wilson, WY 83014

Physical Address The historic Hardeman Barns 5450 W. Hwy. 22 Wilson, Wyoming 83014

Dear Friends of Teton Raptor Center, I recall giving a raptor program to a class of fifth graders a few years ago, with Owly the Great Horned Owl sitting patiently on my gloved hand. I had just explained that in the entire western U.S., 26 different species of diurnal raptors exist, including a variety of eagles, hawks and falcons. In our very own community of Jackson Hole, biologists have counted 17 different species, 14 of which nest here. This is well over half of all the species found in the West. I went onto add that there are 18 species of owls in the western U.S., with 13 species observed in Jackson Hole. All well and good, Owly maintained her stoic pose on my fist, and then a hand went up with a question any conservation educator can only hope for, “Why do all of these different raptors live where we live, and why do biologists need to count them?”

My reply, “All of these different types of raptors can’t live in the same habitat, and if Jackson Hole has a lot of different raptors, that means we have a lot of different types of habitats, and these habitats must be connected to one another in some way. So, if anyone ever asks you what makes Jackson Hole one of the most special places on the entire planet; tell them we live where there are still a lot of healthy habitats, and all the amazing hawks, eagles, falcons and owls we see around our home remind us of this every day. Biologists keep track of raptors to better understand their needs and requirements, and to explore how raptors interact with all the things humans have created in the world, like windows, powerlines, buildings, vehicles, and poisons.

Different raptors can help us be more aware of our surroundings; increase our enjoyment of the natural world; and hopefully inspire us to learn more about birds of prey.” I felt pretty good about that response, not perfect, but good enough…and then the same student offered a final comment, one that I haven’t ever forgotten, “so, raptors are really trying to talk to us all the time, we just need to listen to them more.” Owly stretched her wings, and I had nothing more to add.

At Teton Raptor Center, we are listening to what raptors are telling us and we need more people to hear their message. We invite you to join us in the discovery, the wonder and the inspiration provided by these avian messengers. Your financial support and continued participation are critical to assuring that we grow our unique capacity to inspire learning and understanding about the natural world.

Warm regards,

Injured Raptor Hotline 307.200.6019

Roger N. Smith Founder and Board Chair

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

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“Only the Heart Can Feel the Awe of a Raptor”

Wrapping up an Inspiring Year

As

2011 draws to a close, we reflect on a year that has been filled with growth, connection, momentum, and inspiration. We are pleased to share with you many of the accomplishments, highlights and moments of 2011 that make us proud to be part of helping birds of prey through education, conservation and rehabilitation. You hold in your hands the third issue of our annual newsletter, Flight Log. In sixteen pages we have tried to condense the happenings of a year that exceeded all expectations.

Inside this issue, you will find the story of “Wiegle,” the beautiful bald eagle that made us all believe in miracles. You will meet three wonderful interns, who each injected great thought and enthusiasm into our inaugural internship program. You will get an update on the Port-O-Potty Owl (PoO-PoO) Project, our initiative to help save cavity-nesting owls, as well as our efforts to help nineteen different species of raptors that came into our care in the past year. And, you can enjoy images from a chilly Father’s Day in June, when we launched our 1st annual RaptorFest, a community celebration of birds of prey that attracted over 900 people!

We have experienced considerable growth this year, a combination of more birds in need of our care and more people who care about birds. We took in 50 injured, ill and orphaned birds of prey over the past year and were able to return 50% of them to the wild (a percentage far above the “industry” standard). There are few moments more fulfilling in our organization than our “Return to the Wild” events when an owl, eagle, hawk or falcon gets its second chance at freedom. Perhaps even more impressive are the number of people who have been touched by our programs and events. Participation rose by 78% this year, allowing us to give nearly 17,000 students of all ages, community members and visitors from around the world, a unique learning experience through the eyes of birds of prey.

We hope that you will enjoy the stories that inspire our work; explore the statistics that demonstrate the impact of our programs; and embrace our enormous gratitude for the great community of volunteers, donors, foundations, organizations and businesses that believe in the unique opportunity we offer people to engage with wild birds of prey.

Again, in the eloquent words of student Emma Detrick, “Only the heart can feel…the awe, of a raptor.” We invite you to feel that awe, to experience the inspiration, and to be a part of the future at Teton Raptor Center.

Team TRC wearing our Mountain Khakis. TRC is a proud to be an MK Fund Partner. Bottom: Kristen Ward with Owly. Back row (l-r): Roger Smith, Jason Jones, Lisa Lord Price, Tom Hill, Amy Brennan McCarthy, Nancy Shea, Dr. Dan Forman, and Porgy McClelland. Missing: Patti Boyd, Laurie Boss, Christopher Knowlton, and Ed Opler.

Highlights of 2011 January

TRC launches internship program

February

Wiegle returns to the wild, garnering international media attention

March

TRC launches a customized electronic database to track cases and monitor the care and feeding of patients and Resident Raptors.

April

The osprey pair returns to the W.O.W. nest (and in June, two chicks hatch!)

May

TRC acquires its first vehicle, “The RaptorMobile”

June

Over 900 people attend the 1st annual RAPTORFEST

July

TRC builds an additional bird chamber, after reaching the threshold of our capacity within the Raptor Barn.

August

PoO-PoO Project is successfully completed.

September

The Brookover Gallery hosts “Mocha’s Bash for the Birds,” a fundraiser for TRC.

Of course, every release of raptor back to the wild is a huge highlight for us. As of the printing of this newsletter, we are pleased to report that we have returned 25 birds of prey to their wild homes after successful treatment and rehabilitation at TRC.

Finances

TRC Programming, Operations Continue to Expand

Teton Raptor Center’s revenue for FY 2010 totaled $322,189, with 20% from earned income. TRC incurred expenses of $250,192.

INCOME

Our Year in Review

Activity heightened in every arena of our organization this year. We now have a skilled and passionate full-time staff of three, a visionary Board of Directors with nine members, an Advisory Council that includes luminaries in the fields of raptor medicine and conservation, a year-round internship program, expanded volunteer opportunities, more outreach programming, increased patient load and more species diversity than ever before in our Raptor Barn. The information below offers you a window into the past year at Teton Raptor Center, from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.

Rehab Review

TRC returned 25 raptors back to the wild after successful treatment and rehabilitation.

ADMISSIONS BY SPECIES

ADMISSIONS BY CAUSE OF INJURY

ADMISSIONS BY RAPTOR TYPE

REHABILITATION OUTCOMES

EXPENSES

Visitation and Participation

TRC enjoyed growth in both website visits and participation in our on-site and outreach programs.

Volunteer Hours

TRC Ambassadors donated over 1,500 hours of time and talent to helping care for raptors in need, keeping the barns and grounds at the Hardeman looking lovely and supporting programs and administrative needs through help in our office and at community events.

Over half of those hours were spent in our Raptor Barn!

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events 2012 Tours

January 3rd – June 13th: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon and 2 p.m.

June 19th – September 30th: Tuesday through Thursday at noon and 2 p.m.

Raptor Basics Training

Volunteer training is offered monthly from January through September.

Check www.tetonraptorcenter.org for the current training schedule and get started on the meaningful path to become a TRC Ambassador.

Please call to register for tours and trainings, 307.203.2551. Tours are also offered by appointment throughout the year. TRC is closed on all federal holidays, but the Injured Raptor Hotline (307.200.6020) is available every day of the year.

Save these dates!

Saturday, June 9th 3rd Annual TRC Volunteer Day Come out and help TRC get ready for summer.

Sunday, June 17th RAPTORFEST – Our 2nd annual fundraiser and community celebration of birds of prey.

Friday, September 7th Mocha’s Bash for the Birds An evening of fine food, fabulous art and feathered friends at the Brookover Gallery in downtown Jackson.

Saturday, September 8th Old Bill’s Fun Run Make this a run for the raptors and join us on the Town Square for an incredible fundraiser organized by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.

TRC is quickly adding more events and programs to the 2012 calendar, please visit our website at www.tetonraptorcenter.org for the most current calendar listings. And, become a fan of Teton Raptor Center on FACEBOOK to be the first to know about all the latest happenings at Teton Raptor Center, including rehab updates and raptor releases.

A Boreal Owl trapped in the pit of a vault toilet.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.

The PoO-PoO Project The Port-O-Potty Owl Project (PoOPoO, for short) began in 2010, after Teton Raptor Center received reports from regional resource managers about small owls trapped in vault toilets.

Attracted by dark ventilation pipes, small, cavity-nesting owls enter the pipes looking for a nesting site or a place to store food and subsequently can become entrapped in the waste below.

With a grant from 1% for the Tetons, Teton Raptor Center purchased screen vent covers to cap ventilation pipes on vault toilets on surrounding public lands. During the summer, volunteers from Macy’s Services, a septic services company based in Jackson, donated their time to install 44 screens throughout Grand Teton National Park. Teton Raptor Center volunteers successfully covered 53 ventilation pipes, including nearly every vault toilet in the Teton County Districts of Targhee National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest. With these combined efforts, 100 ventilation pipe screens have been installed and will prevent small owls from entering and dying within vault toilets in our region, but there are still thousands of vault toilets across the country that remain open and dangerous to owls. With your help we look forward to expanding the PoO-PoO Project to other regions and helping to save more owls.

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

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It’s

Photo-of-the-Year

Avian Art Inspires

Photos Top left: Red-tailed Hawk feeding chicks at a nest near Naf, Idaho.

Photo by David Bowers.

View David’s images at: www.davidbowers photography.com Top right: Wiegle just after impact with the semitruck. Ben Wright photo.

Bottom: Gyrfalcon, painting

by Luna Wasson

We are very fortunate that so many people choose to share their avian images with us as part of our website’s Photo-of-theWeek gallery. Sometimes we get striking poses of our Resident Raptors—Owly, Ruby and Gus. Occasionally, we get an image of a species not found in our region, or perhaps not even on our continent. Often we get those special moments captured in the wilds of someone’s backyard, when they have a fortunate raptor visitation just outside their window. Each image represents a unique encounter with birds of prey, giving all of us an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation for these remarkable raptors.

We received many stunning photos this year, but one in particular stood apart to me. Somewhere along his drive back from the City of Rocks last spring, mountain guide and photographer David Bowers spotted the nest of a Red-tailed Hawk. Inside the nest he observed three chicks. He took a number of captivating photographs of this Red-tailed family, but this one left me in awe.

In this moment, David captures the fresh spirit of new life, subtly highlighted by the chick’s crown of delicate feathers illuminated by the setting sun. Yet, the wonder of new life is juxtaposed with the stark and raw reality of the adult bringing in its latest capture, showcasing the great cycle of life and giving us an unforgettable image of what it means to be a bird of prey. Thank you to David and to everyone who inspired us with their photos and artwork this year!

—Amy Brennan McCarthy, Executive Director

Send us your raptor story 6 and photos

Teton Raptor Center is always interested in learning about your observations of raptors in the wild. If you would like to submit a Photo-of-the-Week for our website, please send it to raptors@ tetonraptorcenter.org.

human nature to want to root for the underdog. It is a completely illogical tendency. Why place our emotional lot with the side that, by all manner of measuring odds, should lose? I see this seemingly illogical human trait as one of the few that really defines our humanity. It means that we have hope— hope down to our illogical center—our soul. At our core, we want to believe that success against the odds is possible and worth the effort. The sad truth is that, statistically speaking, the odds are usually right. As such, we need periodic, real-life, reminders that the odds can be beaten and the underdog can come out on top. During 2011, there was one rehabilitation case that stands out in my mind as truly embodying the most inspirational and rewarding qualities of our work as raptor rehabilitators. The underdog in this story is a bald eagle that defied the odds of survival after a traumatic and unfortunate collision with a semi-truck.

This female bald eagle, affectionately nicknamed “Wiegle” (short for “window eagle”), was struck by a semi-truck near Bear Lake, Idaho, on January 14, 2011. Sometimes raptors survive after being struck by cars because they receive just a glancing blow that causes very little injury. That was not the case with this eagle. Truck driver Ben Wright was driving 65 m.p.h. when this eagle took flight off of a roadkill deer, struck his windshield, and ended up more on the inside of the cab than the outside. Wiegle came to a stop with her head and one wing on Ben’s steering wheel, still conscious and calling out loudly. You can imagine the tension in the cab at that point. Somehow, Ben was able to safely bring the truck to a stop on the side of the highway. After he stopped, Ben took a couple pictures with his cell phone before attempting to extricate the eagle from his dash. I don’t think that most people could truly envision the cab scene in their mind’s eye from a verbal description.

Teton Raptor Center’s Story-of-the-Year

“Wiegle”—The Miracle Window Eagle

It’s only because of the pictures that Ben captured that I was able to experience some of the emotion associated with this moment.

After Wiegel was contained, Idaho Fish and Game contacted Teton Raptor Center to arrange a quick transfer to our facility in Wilson, Wyoming. When I first saw the eagle in the transport crate at our center, she was alert but laying down. After hearing the short version of the accident, my heart sank. I knew the odds. The chances of any bird being releasable after such an impact are very, very slim. As I peered into the kennel, her attempts to stand and move her wings where uncoordinated and unsuccessful.

“This eagle was my personal reminder that rooting for the underdog is worth the effort.”

—Jason Jones She had the will to move but not the ability. I removed her and carefully placed her on a table. Just as I began the physical exam she started to expel blood from her trachea. This indicated some type of internal trauma, likely a pulmonary rupture, which caused bleeding into her respiratory system. Such severe internal issues are incredibly difficult to treat because restraint for treatment could possibly kill the bird. Again, the odds directed my mind to a grim and looming end based on the symptoms. In consultation with Dr. Dan Forman, Teton Raptor Center’s veterinarian and board member, we decided the best treatment option available was to just leave her in a chamber and try to provide her with supportive care. Dan did note early on the strong-willed nature of this eagle. In the end, Dan attributed this will to survive as a factor in her ultimate recovery. I have to agree.

Her recovery was steady from the first week. She began eating almost immediately and standing on her own a few days later. After ten days we decided to attempt another physical exam. Amazingly, we did not find fractures of any large bones. The next stage of rehab, physical therapy and pre-release conditioning, started about a month after admittance. At this stage, “strong-willed” transformed quickly into “downright mean” each time she had to be taken from her chamber for

TRC Program Director Jason Jones returns “Wiegle” to the wild near Bear Lake, Idaho.

Brent Bunn photo.

flight conditioning.

She progressed amazingly fast and appeared to be capable of sustained flight within three weeks.

It was now time to make preparations for her release. Idaho Fish and Game chose a release site near Bear Lake, Idaho. This location was chosen because it was close to the area she had occupied before the accident. Being released in familiar territory could give her an advantage when it came to finding her first few meals on her own.

She was released on February 25, 2011, in the company of many supporters. It was quite an event for several community members and for those involved in the rescue and treatment of this eagle. Wiegle’s success story was published in news articles across the U.S., and even as far away as England and New Zealand. Beyond merely surviving the encounter, the fact that this eagle was ultimately brought back into a condition where she was able to have a second chance at life in the wild, is thoroughly astonishing. This eagle’s unexpected, nay miraculous, recovery illustrates the sheer will possessed by these wild creatures to survive and go onward (and upward). This eagle was also my personal reminder that rooting for the underdog is worth the effort.

—Jason Jones, Program Director To view the Assignment Earth video story of Wiegle, please visit: www.tetonraptorcenter.org/videos

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

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Founding Sponsors Lazy Moose Ranch Graham 4 Spring Creek Ranch

RaptorFest Event Committee Patti Boyd | Tina Close Leslie Goodyear | Kimberly Hall Deb Allen Keenan | Patty Lummis Laura Opler | Lisa Lord Price Nancy Shea

Sponsors and Raffle Donors A.J. De Rosa’s Wooden Boat River Tours Annie Band Jewelry Bank of Jackson Hole Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual Carney Logan Burke Architects Chippy’s Kitchen David Bowers Photography Eagle Eye Photography Florence McCall Photography Grand Teton Adventure Co. Grand Teton Association Great Northern Coffee Company Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures Irene Greenberg/Natural Images Jack Dennis Sports on the Square JH Paragliding JH Wildlife Film Festival High Country Linens | MADE Master’s Studio | McDonald’s Mercedes Huff & Associates Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream Mountain Khakis | O Loves M Laura and Ed Opler Pearl Street Bagels | Quiznos Bert Raynes | Rising Sage Café Carole-Malia Schneider Roger Smith | Snake River Brewing Snake River Orthopedics START Bus | Teton Rental Teton Science Schools’ Wildlife Expeditions The Valley Bookstore White Willow Publishing Wild by Nature/ Henry Holdsworth Wyoming Balloon Company

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Father’s Day was truly for the birds this year, when Teton Raptor Center presented the 1st annual RaptorFest. We awoke to a cool, drizzly morning on Sunday, June 19th, 2011 and were admittedly a bit discouraged by the weather conditions, wondering if anyone would come to our inaugural community celebration of birds of prey. Well, the skies brightened in the midst of the afternoon and over 900 people biked, strolled and rode the START Bus to take part in all the fun and feather-filled festivity.

People of all ages enjoyed face painting, art activities, flighted raptor demonstrations, and two performances by the Wind River Dancers, a Native American dance troupe from the Wind River Reservation. Attendees were also delighted by the music of Peter Keenan, John Carney, Hank Phibbs, Terry Bart, Zach Freidhof and Teton Raptor Center’s own Laurie Boss.

In addition to being a harbinger of summer for Teton Raptor Center and the community, RaptorFest was an opportunity to raise funds to support TRC’s education, conservation and rehabilitation programs. The Remarkable Raptor Raffle featured a dozen flight-themed and bird-inspired raffle packages highlighted with very special experiences,

including a hot-air balloon ride with Wyoming Balloon Company, a bird-watching float trip for two with A.J. DeRosa’s Wooden Boat River Tours, a private tour of Yellowstone National Park with Grand Teton Adventure Company, a birding morning with TRC’s founder and biologist Roger Smith, and lunch catered by Chippy’s Kitchen with Jackson Hole’s favorite birder, Bert Raynes, and much more.

The spirit of community was vibrant and electric, launching Teton Raptor Center into a summer of heightened activity, with more tours and programs and more birds in need of our care than ever before. Although we consider every day a good day to celebrate birds of prey, we will be honoring their important role in our ecosystem at the 2nd annual RaptorFest on Sunday, June 17th, 2012 with a another festive and educational afternoon of music, dance, art, story and science. We hope you’ll join us!

2012 Save the date!

raptorfest Father’s Day, June 17th

Photos: Opposite page: Leslie Goodyear with an American Kestrel. This page, top to bottom: Guests at the inaugural RaptorFest are “wowed” by birds in flight.

Kids (and adults) make happy faces in the Owl & the Egg. The Wind River Dancers performed before an appreciative crowd.TRC Board member Porgy McClelland with Gus. RaptorFest photos courtesy of Mack Mendenhall and Ernie Rodriguez.

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org p: 307.203.2551

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Mary Lohuis and Carole-Malia Schneider honored, John Drew named “Golden Owl”

Teton Raptor Center Selects Ambassadors-of-the-Year Teton Raptor Center received an enormous amount of assistance in 2011 from our TRC Ambassadors, who collectively invested over 1,500 hours—supporting us in every aspect of our work, from cleaning chambers, preparing food, and monitoring birds to stamping envelopes, planting flowers, mowing the lawn and painting the barn. Our ambassadors

I am thrilled to have been honored at the Appreciation Night. Teton Raptor Center is a wonderful organization, mission and people alike. I am proud to be part of it.

– Mary Lohuis, Co-Ambassador-of-the-Year 2011

also greet guests, deliver programs, and staff events (especially RaptorFest, which was successful in large part due to the 373 volunteer hours contributed). We are deeply indebted to everyone who made a difference by donating their time and talent to keep the birds and our organization healthy and vibrant.

Two individuals made exceptional contributions to our efforts. On a gorgeous and warm September evening, we celebrated volunteers Mary Lohuis and Carole-Malia Schneider at our 2nd annual Ambassador Appreciation Night. Working with Program Director Jason Jones, both of these amazing women grew their experience as raptor handlers, caregivers and educators.

They have used that knowledge and experience to mentor new volunteers, helping us deepen our team of ambassadors. In addition to their

work in the Raptor Barn, Mary and Carole-Malia made invaluable contributions outside of the barn. Carole-Malia brings the gift of “flower-magic” to the Hardeman each spring, sprucing up our home with an abundance of flourishing flowerpots that create an inviting space to greet thousands of summer visitors. Mary took to the field, climbing atop vault toilets throughout the Snake River Canyon as part of our PoO-PoO Project, as well as making curtains for the Raptor Barn.

With so many wonderful, committed and helpful volunteers, we found it challenging to just recognize two people, so we introduced the “Golden Owl Award.”

No, this is not a new raptor species, but it is a special recognition for one of our volunteers who took the initiative to assure John Drew that our lawn was always trimmed, that the intern loft had a fresh coat of paint and that anything we didn’t quite have time to do got done. Congratulations to John Drew for being our Golden Owl of 2011.

We are always looking for additional TRC Ambassadors. We invite you to discover the opportunities that await you to be part of a very special organization.

Please visit our website or give us a call to learn more.

Left: Co-Ambassador-of-the-Year CaroleMalia holds Gus, a TRC Resident Raptor.

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Kristen Ward, Megan Dunn, Meghan Warren Intern at Center

Internships Underway at TRC At the beginning of the year, Teton Raptor Center launched our first comprehensive internship program, giving interns training, mentorship and experience in the areas of non-profit management, operations and leadership; live raptor care and handling; stewardship of buildings and grounds on an historic property; event management and communications; and interpretation and education for students of all ages.

The first person to embark on this multi-month experience was Kristen Ward.

Kristen joined our team in late January and enthusiastically stuck with us through the end of June (which included RaptorFest). Kristen came with a desire to pursue a career in caring for captive wildlife for public education and wildlife conservation.

She earned a B.S. from Humboldt State University in Wildlife Conservation Biology, as well as an Associate of Science in the Zoo Animal Technology program at Santa Fe College in Florida. While Kristen’s academic background offered a great foundation for the additional hands-on learning we shared with her here at Teton Raptor Center, it was really Kristen’s willingness to help whenever and wherever needed that won everyone over.

Whether the task was last-minute assembly of gift baskets for the “Remarkable Raptor Raffle” at RaptorFest or weekend trips to the veterinarian when an injured raptor was in need of our care, Kristen was eager and enthusiastic to help. Since her departure as an intern, we have welcomed Kristen back as one of our most passionate volunteers.

Kristen Ward Overlapping with Kristen during the spring and summer was our first-ever residential intern, Megan Dunn. Megan arrived on a wintry day in mid-May and dove right into coordinating over 70 volunteers for RaptorFest. In addition to her exceptional event support, Megan quickly drew on her academic program as a soon-to-be senior at Lees McCrae College in western North Carolina, to help in our Raptor Barn. Megan is pursuing a B.S. in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Her goal is to one day open up her own wildlife rehabilitation Megan Dunn center.

Presently, Teton Raptor Center is thrilled to have Meghan Warren as our fall/ winter intern. We were fortunate to get to know Meghan during the summer of 2010, when she took our Raptor Basics training class and became a regular volunteer in the Raptor Barn. Meghan graduated from Willamette University in May with a B.A. in Biology and shortly thereafter began a field internship with Teton Raptor Center to support our nest monitoring surveys. Meghan is a delightful presence here at the Center. If you join us for a tour this winter, we hope you’ll have a chance to meet her.

2012 Internship Opportunities To learn more about engaging in a raptor-inspired intern experience, please visit:

www.tetonraptorcenter.org/internships

Meghan Warren with Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin.

Meet Meghan Warren As an intern for the Teton Raptor Center, my typical day includes caring for the rehab birds, participating in education programs, and working on conservation projects. I have now had extensive experience in each of the Raptor Center’s three main facets, allowing me to develop my personal career goals and contribute to work I really believe in. I have always been interested in wildlife biology and veterinary medicine and as an intern at Teton Raptor Center, I was able to meet and learn from Dr. Mark Pokras, the head wildlife veterinarian at Tufts University (and one of TRC’s Advisory Council members). I also participated in a program with Jeff Corwin, a wildlife biologist with wildlife shows on Animal Planet, and a hero of mine since childhood. This internship has exposed me to interesting and passionate people and has advanced my knowledge of the inner-workings of a non-profit organization, veterinary care, and conservation.

My time here has been one of the most valued and fun experiences of my life and I feel incredibly lucky that I was given the opportunity. I hope to take what I have learned at the Teton Raptor Center and pursue a career in a related field.

Maybe, someday, I will come back with a veterinary degree and help out again!

—Meghan Warren

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

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Thanks for giving a hoot!

Teton Raptor Center would like to thank the many individuals, businesses and foundations that have generously contributed time, talent and financial resources to support our work to help birds of prey through education, conservation and rehabilitation. The birds, staff and Board of Directors are grateful beyond measure for the goodwill and generosity extended to the Center this year.* Mark Abetz James Ablondi Armond Acri David Adams Stephen & Sara Adamson Bob & Fraida Aland Albertsons Joe Albright & Marcia Kunstel Lisa Albright

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Charles & Brenda Allen Donald Allen Robert Allen & Sydney Smith Don & Ann Alsted Jim & Emily Ambler Ana’s Grand Excursions/ Ana Rode Robert & Mila Anderson Anonymous Barbara Arnett Charles & Vickie Atwater Avalanche Canyon Foundation/ Brent & Karen Backman Sama Avant Axis Gymnastics & Sports Academy Mickey Babcock Leslie Ballinger in honor of Lisa Wan Matthew & Holly Balogh Annie Band Jewelry Bank of Jackson Hole Terry Bart Thomas Bartlett Reba Bass Amanda Bauer Joe & Gainor Bennett Petie Bennett in memory of Med Bennett Winslow & Andrea Bent Thomas & Kathleen Beres Debby Bergh Dan & Karin Bergum Kent & Pegi Bernard Yvette Betancourt & Eric Verster Andrea Billingsley Katie Blann Barbara Blase Virgil & Laurie Boss David Bowers Photography Patti Boyd Patti Boyd in memory of Boyd R. Jefferis Philip Bredesen & Andrea Conte Robert & Lucy Taylor Bremner in honor of Nancy Taylor & Bobby Hughes

Bob Bressler Briar Rose Patricia R. Brice in honor of Rick & Kristin Brice Rick & Kristin Brice Claudine Britton Brookover Gallery The Brooks Foundation/ Anthony & Linda Brooks Clark & Susan Brooks Erin Browning The Bunnery Frank, Bonnie & Jack Burgess Kenneth & Janie Burrow Dennis & Marian Butcher Martin Byrne The Cadillac Grille Rose Caiazzo Royce & Patricia Caldwell Terry Campbell, D.V.M. Capsicum Pro Audio Len Carlman Lycia M. Carmody Carney Logan Burke Architects Elaine & John Carney Keith Carpenter Lawrence & Patricia Chapman Liz Cheney Carol Chesney & Leila Sandlin Chippy’s Kitchen Amanda Chisholm Yvon & Malinda Chouinard Frances Clark Tina Close Marc Cohen & Lyn MacEwen Cohen James & Karen Coleman Dirk & Jennifer Collins Kristen Combs Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Valerie Conger Cony Corporation Anne Z. Coskey in honor of Liz & Mark Spradling & Roger Smith Kevin Coughlan

Charlie Craighead Crane Creek Graphics Kim Crosby Thomas L. & Carol-Ann Crow Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Cumming Foundation Matt & Cindy Daly Meg Daly Mitch Dann Hubert Davis Timothy T. Day Foundation/ Tim & Sandy Day Eric & Anne Delahaye E. John DelMonte A.J. DeRosa’s Wooden Boat River Tours Susan Detweiler Carl Detwyler & Catherine Smith Ted & Addie Donnan Jody Donnelly Dornan’s Sam Dowd Bolton Drackett Phyllis Drake Sarah Drake John & Susan Drew Megan Dunn Paul, Pauline & Trey Dykeman Eagle Eye Photography/ Bradley Sullivan EganWood Family Foundation/ Bill & Pauline Egan Gary & Syd Elliott Dennis Emory & Liza the dog Cece English William & Sarah Farish The Fazzio Family Foundation Mark & Marcie Feldman F. Blaine & Marion Fife Cynthia Fischer Francine Fleming James & Astrid Flood JuliAnne Forrest Scott Fossel Deborah Fox Amy Fradley Don & Maryellen Frank Nancy Freeman Vicki Friedhof Zach Friedhof Are & Lisa Friesecke John & Lou Furrer Gail Fustos Jane Gallie

Mary Gerty Maggie Gibson Rob & Chris Girvin Jay Glass David & Joan Goldfarb John & Carol Gonnella John & Edna Good Leslie Goodyear Graham 4 in memory of Boyd R. Jefferis Graham 4/Bob Graham, Karen Terra, Matt Faupel, Julie Faupel John & Linda Graham Grand Teton Adventure Co. Grand Teton Association The Great Northern Coffee Co.

Deborah Kisling Karen Kling Bill Klyn Christopher & Pippa Knowlton Kraig Kobert Louise Koegler Jack Koehler, Katie Koehler & Kris Simpson Tom & Jennifer Kohlardt Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kramer Marge Kudar Carla Kussner Ted & Beedee Ladd Frances Latham Dr. M. Christine Laughery B. A. Lauterbach Steve Laven

Leslie Mapes Hunter Marrow & Tracy Blue John & Adrienne Mars Linda Mars Lenny & Laura Martin Master’s Studio Leslie Mattson The Maurer Family in honor of Robert E. Strawbridge, III Tom & Gail Maxwell Florence McCall Photography Forrest & Amy McCarthy Sandra McCarthy Liz McCarty Duncan & Harriett McClelland Porgy McClelland Nate McClennen & Rachel Wigglesworth Bonnie McCormick McDonald’s of Jackson Hole What a treat to watch the different raptors Bernard McHugh in action and see them up close. They are John & Pauline McIntosh so magnificent and majestic. Teton Raptor Nancy McLaughlin Center—thank you for bringing us one of David Mecartney & the highlights of our week!”

Kelly Cornell Mecartney Rick Meier & —Mimi Slaughter Susan Eriksen-Meier Michelle Melehes Mike & Trisha Lavin Moe & Irene Mellion Kit Hughes The Lazy Moose Ranch/ Mack & Katie Mendenhall Paula Hughes Robin & Cherrie Siegfried Mike & Linda Merigliano Ikonik Mr. & Mrs. Frank P. Lee in honor Rich Mickle Robert B. Jack of Liz & Mark Spradling Ellen Miille Jack Dennis Sports on the Square Phil & Heidi Leeds Marc & Marian Milgram Jackson Hole Bird Club Jeremy & Acacia Minor Jackson Hole Community School Judy Legg Ellie Levins Carol Mongeluzzi Jackson Hole Paragliding Michelle Linville Christopher Mooney Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Jack & Jodi Livingood Bob & Leanne Moore Festival Mary Lohuis Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream James Family Foundation LOR Foundation Patricia Moran Ron & Sandy Jarman Jillian Loury Kathleen Morell Jennifer Jensen James Lummis Susan Mortensen Toren Johnson John & Patty Lummis Mountain Khakis Matthew Johnston, VMD Andy & Clark MacKenzie The Mountaineer in memory of Jason & Pons Jones through the Community George K. McClelland Lindsay Jones Foundation of Jackson Hole MRB Foundation Weldon Jones David & Deborah MacKenzie Martha Muckleroy Heidi Jost Mr. & Mrs. Douglas MacMahon Chuck & Betty Mulcahy Peter & Deb Keenan Lawrence & Donna Maddox Kevin Mullen Kehr Levy Fund/Ryan Levy in honor of Liz & Mark William Mulligan & Kierra Kent Spradling Kim Kernan Pat Kent MADE David & Christine Murdoch John Kerr Barbara Magin Alexander & Joohee Muromcew Charlotte Kidd The Malcom Family continued on page 14 Fred & Susan Kingwill Jake Hershberger High Country Linen Tom, Jane, Maggie & Ellie Hill Marc & Anise Morrow Richard & Karen Hobbins William & Mary Ann Holmes Mandy Horne David & Missy Hoster Mr. & Mrs. Jack Howe Elizabeth Howell Tom & Linda Howell A.C. & Penney Hubbard Foundation Eric Huber Mercedes Huff & Associates Hughes Fund Bobby Hughes

Erin Greenlee Jefferson & Terri Gregory Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures Stacey Grohne Steve Grossman & Jill Baldauf Ground Up Fund Ralph & Louise Haberfeld Kenny Hadden Maggie Hagen Roald, Audrey, Annabel, Tomi & Grant Hagen Dick Hall Kimberly Hall Libby Hall Mike & Francesca Hammer Ben Hammond & Lisa Johnson Paul Hansen & Kay Stratman John & Carol Harkness George & Suzanne Harris Ann Harvey Jennifer Hays Bruce Hayse Heal Associates/ Tim O’Donoghue Anna Hebard Hess Carlman & web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551 D’Amours, LLC

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Supporters continued from page 13 Agnieszka Murphy National Trust for Historic Preservation Natural Images/ Irene Greenberg Bill & Mary Neal Andy & Danna Nehrbas Kent & Ann Nelson Bill & Nancy Newcomb Rod & Anne Newcomb Newton Foundation Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Nickel Designs/Nancy Resor George & Kay Northup Krista Novak Erin Nye Lucy Nystrom OLovesM/Merle O’Brien David O’Connor & Lona Williams Keith Ohnmeis Clarence Olmstead & Kathleen Heenan Greg Olson Walt & Kristen Omlor Patty O’Neil George & Abby O’Neill Ed & Laura Opler Gilman & Marge Ordway Pampe System Works LLC/ Richard & Jill Pampe Biba & Jon Parker Foundation Roxann Parran Kevin, Mary, & Hailey Patno Tom Patricelli Pearl Street Bagels James Peck & Karen Youngblood Millie Peck Lisa Peltier Arturo Peralta-Ramos Cynda Peralta-Ramos Grady Perkins Hank Phibbs & Leslie Petersen Peter Pilafian Martha Ann Pittard Mark Pokras, D.V.M. Gloria Polis Reynolds & Bettie Pomeroy Emily Poole Steve & Carol Poole Marsh & Susan Potterton Alexander Power Jacqueline Pratt

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Donald & Diane Sherman Barry & Priscilla Sibson Skinny Skis, Patagonia & Lisa Lord Price Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Stevie & Wyatt Priceless Richard & Carol Skjerven Foundation Cody Sloan Quiznos Subs Garnett A. Smith Family David & Patsy Raaum Foundation Tim Rammell Gray Smith Bert Raynes Jason & Michelle Smith Al & Susan Read in memory Jeffrey Smith of Wister, the Richard Smith Uber-Mountain-Mutt Roger, Creel, & Elsa Smith Patrick Redig, D.V.M. & Margaret Creel Reel Deal Anglers Snake River Brewing/ Skyler Reep Tim Harland Fred & Margie Reimers Snake River Orthopedics, P.C. Mary Lee Renken Bill Resor & Story Clark Resor Robyn Snyder Spring Creek Animal Hospital/ Chuck & Nancy Resor Dan & MJ Forman Lauren Ritchey Jim & Kim Springer John Ricketts & Peggy Currin Wilton Springer Ridgway Elementary School Jane Squires Student Council Fred & Jeanie Staehr Larry Rieser John & Jenni Stark Robert Righter & Sherry Smith STARR FUND Rising Sage Café/ START Bus Tom Henninger Bobby & Mimi Stein Steve & Lisa Robertson G. Paul & V. Margaret Robinson Thomas Stoner Peter Stoops & Kate Wilkinson Peter & Katherine Roby Robert E. Strawbridge, III Rocky & Larrie Rockwell R. Scott & Gloria Stuart Ernie Rodriguez Mark Sullivan Wendy Rominger Steve & Anna Sullivan Roscoe Co./Jim Roscoe Jo Suomala & Jane Baldwin Deborah Supowit Rusty & Deedie Rose Dave & Barb Monroe & Andrea Rosenthal Diane Sweatt Richard & Sally Rosenthal Karli Swenson Lisa Rullman Kat Taylor Val & Kym Rupeiks Allan & Frances Tessler Paul & Ann Ruttle Teton Rental Center Lara Ryan Lawrence Thal & Philip Salz Shannon Troxler Thal John & Kathleen Sander Tenley Thompson Joe & Ellen Sanford Helen & Harry Saul Foundation Thursday Roundtable Fund of the Community Foundation Inc./Julian & Anita Saul of Jackson Hole Frank & Judy Scarborough Evan Toal Joey & Kristi Schaeffer TomKat Charitable Trust Carl & Judie Schmidlapp Town of Jackson Carole-Malia Schneider Stan & Barbara Trachtenberg Walter & Deborah Schobel David Trautenberg Rob Schulz Nate Trautenberg Craig & Carol Schwender Tremblay Family Foundation Mitzi Sealander Chris Tubby & Deborah Wilson Hayden Shea John & Mary Kay Turner Nancy Shea Anya Tyson Dr. Florence Shepard

Steve & Amy Unfried Mike & Carolyn Vale Crista Valentino Valley Bookstore Kirsten Verster Doug Vogel & Evie Lewis John & Barbara Vogelstein Margot Flagg Von Gontard Polly & Sandy Wakeman Michael & Tana Wall James Walter Lisa Wan Kristen Ward Mike & Charlya Ward William & Deborah Ward Meghan Warren Mr. & Mrs. John C. Wasson Luna Wasson Bill & Teresa Waterman Nancy Weeks Ray Weinmann Mary K. Weiss Foundation Pamela Weiss, CPA William E. Weiss Foundation Pieter & Alexandra Wernink West Geauga High School Susan White White Willow Publishing/ Becky Woods Bloom John & Suzanne Whitmore Ken & Alice Whittington Connie Wieneke Erich & Chris Wilbrecht John & Nancy Wilbrecht Wild by Nature/ Henry Holdsworth Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools Brad & Norma Willard Kirby & Stephanie Williams Scott & Shawnie Williams Wilson Elementary School Wilson Hardware Kurt & Chris Wimberg Wendy Wolff Bella Wood Loring Woodman & Melody Lin Charles Woodward David & Susan Work Christopher Wright John Wright & Dana Olson Wyoming Balloon Company Wyoming Land Trust Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office/ Historic Architecture Assistance Fund A. A. & Lyudmila Zvegintzov

*Donors and volunteers who contributed time, talent, financial resources, and in-kind services and gifts between November 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011 are recognized in this list. Teton Raptor Center regrets inadverent omissions or misspellings. Please call the office at 307.203.2551 so we can correct our database. Photo credits: Photos on pages 12-14 were contributed by Mack Mendenhall, Ernie Rodriguez and Irene Greenberg/Natural Images.

Teton Raptor Center Store Teton Raptor Center added the iraptor shirt to our shelves this year, as well as new books and cards. Check out our merchandise on-line or stop by our office to pick up some raptor-inspired gifts for the holidays, special occasions or as a special treat just for you. Some of our most popular items: Hat or Visor (100% cotton, khaki with embroidered TRC logo) ............................... $20 T-shirt (100% organic cotton, barn red) ...................................................................... $20 Sizes: Men’s S- XXL Women’s S-XL (women’s is a slim fit, runs small) iraptor Long-Sleeve shirt (100% cotton long-sleeve t-shirt by The Duck Co. in steel blue with an exclusive iraptor design including ieagle, ihawk, ifalcon and iowl.

Kids’ Sizes: XS-L ............................................................................................ $20 Adult Sizes S-XL ............................................................................................. $25 Set of Raptor Notecards by Crane Creek Graphics (set of 12) ....................... $15

Books by Bert Raynes Birds of Grand Teton National Park ................................................................$8.50 92 pages, includes bird checklist and beautiful color photographs Birds of Sage and Scree ........................................................................................ $25 Text by Bert Raynes and original paintings by Greg McHuron. 60 pages, with 25 original paintings, softcover edition. All copies in TRC’s Bookstore are signed by the author and the artist.

All prices include Wyoming sales tax. TRC accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Discover as well as cash or check. All book purchases come with a free TRC bookmark!

A purchase at the Teton Raptor Center Store helps us soar!

THE BIRDER’S BOOKSHELF Raptors of the West. By Kate Davis. Photographs by Rob Palmer, Nick Dunlop and Kate Davis. 224 pages, $30.

Raptors of the West is a glorious photographic ode to the 44 birds of prey that roam the skies of the American West. While the 400-plus stunning photographs are enough to set this book apart on their own, Davis’s informative and entertaining text completes the picture.

“The images in this collection will excite your imagination, edify you, and hold you enraptured as you view your western raptors in their natural landscape.” —Tom Cade, founder of the Peregrine Fund and author of Falcons of the World.

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P.O. Box 1805 • Wilson, WY 83014 www.tetonraptorcenter.org

Who-Who-Who will become a friend

Teton Raptor Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our education, conservation and rehabilitation initiatives are made possible through the generous contributions of Friends of Teton Raptor Center.

Donations are tax deductible. (Federal Tax ID#: 83-0328068) Please give a hoot and make a gift using the enclosed donation envelope or donate on-line at: www.tetonraptorcenter.org/donate.

For 15 years we have been taking in injured raptors at the Patagonia headquarters in California, so we know first hand what good the Teton Raptor Center is doing for injured raptors and educating the public about the necessity of protecting them and their wild habitats.

—Yvon & Malinda Chouinard

Giving Opportunities $35 – 49.........................................Kestrel $50 – 99 ..........................................Hawk $100 – 249......................................... Owl $250 – 499..................................... Falcon $500 – 999.....................................Osprey $1,000 – 4,999................................. Eagle $5,000+............................... Talon Society

Friends of Teton Raptor Center receive a copy of TRC’s newsletter, Flight Log, a Birds of Prey bookmark, TRC decal and the satisfaction of supporting educational programs for students of all ages, conservation projects to help raptors and their vital habitat and medical and rehabilitative care for injured birds of prey.

For a limited time, all Friends of Teton Raptor Center who give $50 or more before March 31, 2012 will receive a free pair of TRC Croakies®!

Newsletter printed on PEFC-certified paper, using vegetable-based ink. Kindly recycle this newsletter with office pack, or pass it along and share the news from Teton Raptor Center with others. Publication designed

by Rebecca Woods.