Flight Log 2012/2013

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 2012/2013 Volume 4

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

Teton Raptor Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of conservation biologists, veterinarians, wildlife rehabilitators, educators and volunteers working together to help birds of prey and promote environmental health through education, conservation initiatives, medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our goal is to inspire a respect for nature by nurturing understanding and appreciation for birds of prey.

“TRC is the most state-of-the-art raptor rehabilitation facility in the Greater Yellowstone Area and is able to care for injured raptors from both Wyoming and eastern Idaho.”

—Rob Cavallaro, Idaho Department of Fish and Game A story of one of Rob's experiences with Teton Raptor Center is on page 10.

A Lanner Falcon surveys its surroundings atop a fence post at Teton Raptor Center. Photo by TRC Program Director Jason Jones.

See page 8 to learn about the Falcon-Cam project.

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

by Mel Mann

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

Advisory Council Terry W. Campbell, D.V.M. Len Carlman 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, Admin. Associate Haylen Gregory, Summer/Fall Intern Jason Jones, Program Director Amy Brennan McCarthy, Executive Director Meghan Warren, Program Associate

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

Greetings from Teton Raptor Center!

All of us at Teton Raptor Center thoroughly enjoy the fall foliage and early dusting of snow along the mountaintops that surround our small hamlet of Wilson. And it is in this beautiful mountain setting that we are now entering our fourth full year of operations at the historic Hardeman Ranch. In mid-October, the Board and staff spent a full day at the historic Murie Ranch in Grand Teton National Park to look at the past four years and to lay the groundwork for where we will be in the next four years. We closed a very productive day with a clear plan for moving forward and a unified sense of accomplishment and excitement for what will come. This is based in part because we are a small, respectful and passionate group of conservation-minded people who are dedicated to providing the best possible home for injured, ill and orphaned raptors; meaningful educational opportunities to our local and global constituents; and pragmatic conservation initiatives. We are also excited about our future because we are dedicated to effectively engaging good science with the power of story; to preserving the intimate experience every visitor receives at our site; to keeping our eye on a long-term sustainable business plan; and believing Teton Raptor Center will become a must-see place for every visitor to Jackson Hole. All of these directives are targeted at helping every participant appreciate and understand the importance of the natural world, and hopefully to inspire them to ‘see birds everywhere!’

We have worked hard this past year, with full credit given to the leadership by TRC’s bright and energetic staff, along with a clear vision from our competent Board of Directors. We also fully realize we wouldn’t be here without your support and appreciation for birds of prey and the natural world. Lastly, I’d like to invite you to participate in our Flight Challenge, a unique endof-year giving opportunity where your new or increased contribution will be matched through a generous challenge grant up to $25,000. Please help us turn this gift into $50,000 to help birds of prey through your year-end, tax-deductible donation.

I am delighted to introduce you to many of our 2012 accomplishments in this latest Flight Log. Enjoy!

Good Birding,

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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Generations of Inspiration!

Olivia Bouler, Dr. George Schaller visit Center At twelve years of age, Olivia Bouler is already an accomplished artist, published author and illustrator, and a celebrated conservationist. Her passion to support bird rescue and rehabilitation efforts after the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill led to her book, Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf and a unique campaign that has raised over $200,000 for the National Audubon Society’s Gulf recovery programs.

As an ardent avian advocate and aspiring ornithologist, Olivia has used her voice and her artistic talents to speak for the birds. Teton Raptor Center was delighted when Olivia accepted our invitation to speak to hundreds of students and community members in Jackson Hole as part of our first-ever Avian Spring Celebration, a collaborative endeavor among numerous local, regional and national organizations in honor of the 20th Anniversary of International Migratory Bird Day. Olivia’s message is a simple one: “Find your cause and use your talents, the quality of our world is counting on you—GO BIRDS!” While Olivia offered us the inspiration and hope of the next generation, Teton Raptor Center also had the great honor to host one of the most celebrated wildlife biologists of our time on a warm July morning at the Hardeman Barns. Dr. George Schaller is an internationally renowned scientist and explorer, an inspiring mentor to biologists from around the globe and a passionate advocate for all things wild. Dr. Schaller was in Jackson Hole to receive the “Murie Spirit of Conservation Award,” which is one of many accolades he has received in over half a century of dedication toward important conservation work benefitting wild creatures. The Mountain Gorilla, the Bengal Tiger and the elusive Snow Leopard are just a few of the species Dr. George Schaller has been instrumental in studying. With his vast experience and exposure to exotic ecosytems across the planet, Dr. Schaller took us on a journey to become more caring conservationists, noting that while the science is important,

it is the emotional connection to wild places and wild creatures that compels us to fight for their protection.

Here at Teton Raptor Center we embrace the messages of both Olivia Bouler and Dr. George Schaller as we work to deliver programs that foster meaningful learning and action that link conservation science, raptor medicine and inspirational education for students of all ages. With every tour, outreach program and classroom visit, we provide opportunities for our participants to develop a deeper understanding, a piqued curiosity and a fuller commitment to the natural world through the eyes of birds of prey. We provide accurate, science-based information, coupled with exceptional encounters with live raptors, which contribute toward building a global community of caring conservationists.

In the fourth issue of Flight Log, our annual newsletter, we invite you to explore some highlights from our work over the past year, examine some of the statistics that

demonstrate the impact of our programs, envelop the deep gratitude we share for the volunteers, donors, foundations, and businesses that elevate our capacity to help birds of prey, and to join us in embracing, envisioning and enlivening the future of Teton Raptor Center with your new or continued support.

In the words of Olivia Bouler, “GO BIRDS!” Thank you.

Photo above: Olivia Bouler at the Avian Spring Celebration, where she presented Teton Raptor Center with an original pencil drawing of a Golden Eagle. Photo by James Bouler. Left: Dr. George Schaller meets Owly the Great-horned Owl. Photo

by Laurie Boss.

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Finances

Teton Raptor Center’s Operations & Programs

Teton Raptor Center’s revenue for FY 2011 totaled $389,106. TRC incurred expenses of $332,384. Our fiscal year is the calendar year and we invite you to review our Form 990, found on our website.

INCOME Gifts-in-Kind 3%

At the close of the third quarter of 2012, after an extremely busy summer of programming on- and off-site, we are on track to surpass our participation numbers and patient load again this year.

Program Review

Grants 7%

Over the past year*, TRC provided rehabilitative care for 39 individual raptors representing 16 species and 1,210 patient days. The most commonly admitted species was the Great-horned Owl for the second year in a row. We released 12 raptors back into the wild this year and transferred 2 to other facilities. Most of the rehab birds admitted were adult or immature, and we admitted fewer fledglings and chicks this year. Hawks were slightly more common in the Raptor Barn than owls, which made up 50% of the raptors admitted the year before.

Program Tuition 10% Admissions 4%

Donations 75%

Sales & Interest 1%

2012 TRC Year-in-Review

ADMISSIONS BY SPECIES American Kestrel Bald Eagle Barn Owl Cooper’s Hawk Great Gray Owl Great-horned Owl Golden Eagle

EXPENSES

Long-eared Owl Northern Harrier

Fundraising 10%

ADMISSIONS BY CAUSE OF INJURY Fallen from nest Fledgling in danger illness Possible birth defect Shot

Osprey

Trapped in chimney

Prairie Falcon Rough-legged

Unknown

Red-tailed Hawk Sharp-shinned Swainson’s Hawk Turkey Vulture

Administrative 16% Program 74%

ADMISSIONS BY RAPTOR TYPE

Owl

Vehicle strike Window strike Wire strike

REHABILITATION OUTCOMES Transferred 5% Died 26%

Osprey

Visitation and Participation

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

The 2012 data represent Jan.-Sept. only.

Hawk

DOA 5%

Falcon

Eagle

29654

Released 31%

30973

Euthanized 33%

* The rehabilitation information reflects our cases during the period of October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012.

17788

16864 11890

9382

Program Participants 2010

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2011

Website Visitation 2012 1Q - 3Q

Volunteer Hours Our TRC Ambassadors continue to show tremendous dedication to our programs and operations. So far this year, 135 individuals have donated over 1,500 hours of time and talent to help care for raptors in need, to keep the barns and grounds at the Hardeman Barns looking lovely and to support our program and administrative needs through help in our office and at community events. Thank you TRC Ambassadors!

events 2013 Tours

Tour hours change seasonally, so please check our website for the most up-to-date schedule. Teton Raptor Center also offers private tour opportunities by appointment. Please call us for rates and scheduling.

Raptor Basics Volunteer 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. TRC is closed on all federal holidays, but the Injured Raptor Hotline (307.200.6019) is available every day of the year.

Save these dates!

Saturday, June 8th 4th Annual TRC Volunteer Day Come out and help TRC get ready for summer.

Sunday, June 16th RAPTORFEST – Our 3rd annual fundraiser and community celebration of birds of prey.

Friday, September 6th 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 14th 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 2013 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, including rehab updates and raptor releases.

Y NEW

TRC launches Veterinary Externship

Through a generous grant from the TomKat Charitable Trust, Teton Raptor Center offered our inaugural Veterinary Externship opportunity last spring. The externship was a pilot program to recruit fourth-year veterinary students for a month-long rotation in raptor medicine, field study and rehabilitation techniques. In her final semester at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Joanna Morel spent most of April 2012 immersed in cases at TRC’s Raptor Clinic. In her words: “As Teton Raptor Center’s inaugural veterinary student extern, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with people who are passionate and dedicated to raptor rehabilitation. Raptors are not only strikingly beautiful, but marvels of engineering and master athletes, who despite all their physical advantages, often lose the battle of bird versus car.

And we must balance the heartbreak of raptors with injuries that prevent their return to the wild with the joy of nursing animals back to health. For every bird like the American Kestrel who presented in late April with a break to his humerus (large wing bone, which connects to the shoulder) that was so severe as to be inoperable, there is the Great-horned Owl who presented in December with several injuries after a presumptive car strike, who flew off almost indignantly into a distant stand of cottonwood trees in April.

I’d like to thank everyone at the Teton Raptor Center and Spring Creek Animal Hospital for being great teachers, cheerleaders, and friends on my last rotation before I leave the safety of school to graduate as a veterinarian. Thank you all.”

—Joanna Morel

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

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Director's Pick-of-the-Year

Avian Art Inspires Something Wild This Way Comes

Photos Top left: Portion of a spectacular owl painting executed on a round canvas. Amy Ringholz donated her painting to benefit TRC. To view Amy's work, visit www.amyringholz.com Top right: Cache being treated at TRC. Bottom: Gus the Golden Eagle, drawn by Angela Burton during an art session at TRC.

We are exceptionally fortunate to receive raptor photographs from around the world, many of which are featured as our Photos-of the-Week. In addition to photography, we are continually awed to see how TRC’s Resident Raptors and other birds of prey inspire pieces of art across a spectrum of media—from sketches to sculptures, and from poetry to paintings, we have seen the myriad ways charismatic avifauna stimulate artists of all genres to share the unique qualities of birds of prey. While we had heightened visitation to our photo galleries this year, the piece of art that we wish to highlight as our Pick-of-the-Year is from the bold and colorful collection of wildlife paintings by artist Amy Ringholz. On September 15, 2012, Amy’s creativity went beyond the canvas and straight under the “Big Top” when Ringholz became the ringleader of a once-in-a-lifetime vintage circus-themed extravaganza, celebrating conservation and art.

At the heart of all the festivity was a showcase of Amy’s deep appreciation for the subjects of her art—thus, in a stroke of grand generosity, Amy selected four nonprofit conservation organizations to be beneficiaries of the gala through the auction of four one-of-a-kind circular canvases. Thank you Amy Ringholz for your creativity, inspiration, energy and love for wild creatures.

Teton Raptor Center is honored that you created this gorgeous owl painting to support the birds that inspire your art!

—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.

T

hroughout 2012, Teton Raptor Center saw many noteworthy cases come through our clinic. We admitted a few raptors that can only be described as simply making a poor choice just before being brought to TRC. One such raptor, a male American Kestrel, sincerely justifies a few more lines to tell his tale, which left his tail in cinders.

His individual circumstances are unfortunate, yet his appearance at our doors magnified a greater awareness of fairly new threats to this once exceptionally common raptor species in North America. In just about any field guide to North American raptors, the American Kestrel’s description usually includes the terms “most widespread raptor” or “most abundant North American raptor.” However, several recent studies indicate a widespread decline in American Kestrel populations across the U.S. Last May, this particular American Kestrel was rescued from a popping fire after he flew down a smoking chimney in Below: Cache burned his feet when he flew into a smoking chimney. This photo shows some of the damage, now on the mend.

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

“Cache”—The Kestrel

An unfortunate choice of chimneys lands this little falcon in TRC rehab Cora, Wyoming. He suffered burns to his feet, singed his flight and tail feathers, and experienced small burns to the wrists of each wing.

After about six weeks, the burns to his feet had healed extremely well. Unfortunately, after all the other singed tail and primary flight feathers had regenerated, there was a small patch of scar tissue obscuring the growth of four primary feathers on one wing. The loss of this many flight feathers would prevent a successful return to the wild for this little bird of prey. Luckily, we found him a home at Wild Wings Environmental Education in Centennial, Colorado, where he will play an important role as an ambassador for his species. And through an on-line naming contest, this little guy is now known as “Cache,” which is not only cool, but also appropriate for a kestrel, which is known to stash surplus food.

So, why would a kestrel go down a chimney? Kestrels and other cavity-nesting birds enter open-top pipes looking for a place to nest. Kestrels usually nest in woodpecker holes in trees. Unfortunately, once they enter a man-made pipe they usually can’t get out. One of TRC’s core conservation initiatives, the Poo-Poo Project, is an effort to retrofit ventilation pipes on vault toilets throughout our public lands to prevent owls and other cavity-nesting birds from entering and becoming trapped.

American Kestrels have long been touted as the most abundant raptor in North America. In the past two decades their numbers have dropped significantly in the United States. In 2009, The Journal of Raptor Research dedicated an entire journal to studies relating to the declining American Kestrel. The likely combination of factors for this widespread decline include: competition for nest sites with introduced cavity-nesting starlings; increased predation by other raptors; chemical poisoning; and the recent introduction of West Nile Virus to North America. Although it’s unfortunate that Cache could not be released to the wild, this one educational ambassador could serve an important role in spreading the conservation message regarding the circumstances of his species.

did you know?

—Jason Jones, Program Director

Above: Cache singed his tail and flight feathers. Scar tissue obscured the regrowth of primary feathers, preventing his return to the wild.

He now lives at Wild Wings Environmental Education, and is shown below in a photo taken by Rob Palmer.

j North America’s smallest falcon, the American Kestrel, is a cavity-nesting raptor.

Kestrels prefer natural nest cavities such as woodpecker holes in trees. j Cavity-nesting raptors, like small owls and kestrels, can become trapped in open-top pipes. TRC’s Poo-Poo Project is designed to prevent cavity-nesting birds from entering vent pipes on public lands. Learn more about the Poo-Poo Project and how you can screen open-top pipes on your property by going to our website at www.tetonraptorcenter.org/poo-poo-project. j American Kestrels are one of the few diurnal raptors that will accept a nest box. What a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your property. Plans for building your own kestrel nest box can be found on our website at www.tetonraptorcenter.org/ kestrel-nest-boxes.

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

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education

TRC Falcon-Cam Gives a True Bird’s-Eye View In the spring of 2012, TRC began round two of the Falcon-Cam project. The project involves training captive bred falcons to return to TRC on their own for a period of hack. Hack is an old falconry term that denotes a type of training where young falcons are trained to return to a location, rather than to a person, for an extended period of time just after they fledge and begin to fly. This is a very natural type of training for young falcons. In the wild, the young falcons are dependent on their parents for several weeks while they learn to fly.

For our project, the falcons are fitted with micro-video cameras that record their daily adventures.

We trained five captive bred falcons for this project: a Lanner Falcon, an Aplomado Falcon, and three Gyrfalcon hybrids. These falcons were flying as a group daily, capturing a unique angle of Jackson Hole, for eight to twelve weeks throughout the summer.

The footage they brought back is extraordinary—action-packed moments as they honed their flight skills by chasing each other across the sky at over 4,000 feet above the valley floor.

The videos capture exceptional scenery and glimpses of the daily lives of falcons and other wildlife. Although the cameras are high-definition, their “handlers” aren’t always steady. Anything lacking in clarity is more than made up for by the perspective—a true bird’s-eye view.

The value of having these young falcons at TRC during the early stages of life can be seen on the faces of every visitor to the center. Children especially respond to the fuzzy, growing chicks and the sight of them making their first clumsy flights across the fields. Maybe there is a likeness that they recognize in themselves. Be sure to check out the array of videos and pictures of these baby falcons (and by these falcons) on our website.

Top inset photos: Falcon-cam gives a bird's-eye view of both flying companions and the valley. Check out videos and larger photos on our website. Right, top to bottom: Kids are drawn to young falcons raised at the center. A handler works with captive bred falcons during hack. A falcon pecks at a piece of grass, undisturbed by the transmitter on its leg. Background photo: Lanner Falcon (L) and Aplomado Falcon (R), hanging out at the center.

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conservation

The Poo-Poo Project and Osprey DNA Study Take Flight This Boreal Owl was rescued from a toilet near the South Fork Salmon River Drainage by Joe Foust. Courtesy photo USDA Forest Service.

Many birds are not so lucky, as the Nevada Dept. of Wildlife photo of bird skulls found in pipes, shown below, attests. Center bottom: TRC Ambassador Mary Lohuis installs a vent screen.

Teton Raptor Center continually looks for ways to support birds of prey and protect their important habitat. Presently underway are two key conservation initiatives that target solutions and studies that aim to help owls and ospreys. The first, launched in 2010, is the Port-O-Potty Owl Project, affectionately called the Poo-Poo Project. The Poo-Poo Project offers a simple, low-tech approach for eliminating the entrapment of small cavity-nesting owls and other wildlife in vault toilets on our public lands. Owls can become trapped after entering the open ventilation pipes in search of a suitable nesting or roosting site. We prevent their entry with a simple solution—by installing permanent, durable vent screens.

Through the support of 1% for the Tetons, TRC successfully capped 100 open vault toilet ventilation pipes in Grand Teton National Park, and the Caribou-Targhee and BridgerTeton National Forests.

With additional grants secured through 1% for the Tetons in 2012 and the Youth Philanthropy program at the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, TRC is developing a prototype for a new vent screen, intended to be more effective for long-term maintenance and more affordable. With increasing awareness and support, the Poo-Poo Project is now poised to not only reduce owl mortality in the Tetons region, but to provide a model for similar programs throughout the country.

The second active conservation project, launched in fall of 2011, is a genetic study

of Ospreys found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This project is intended to help us better understand the behaviors and ecology of Ospreys, a ubiquitous species widely considered a sentinel for aquatic systems, by studying their genetic material. In the spring of 2013, TRC will collect Osprey feathers from underneath nests, catalogue them and

idenitfy the microsatellite markers for this species. With this new information, TRC will be able to identify individual Ospreys and associate them with particular nests.

This project will help shed light on questions such as: Do Ospreys mate for life?, Do they always return to the same nest? and Are they monogamous?

In August, both conservation projects were accepted and presented at the 2012 North American Ornithological Conference in Vancouver, BC, attended by 14,000 ornithologists from across North America. TRC Program Associate Meghan Warren and TRC volunteer Jennifer Jellen, the 2012 Ambassador-of-the-Year, attended the conference to present posters on each of the projects and to introduce the work of Teton Raptor Center to an international audience of ornithologists.

How can you help TRC with these conservation projects? Become a citizen scientist, if you live near an active Osprey nest, keep notes about the timing of their arrival, number of chicks that fledge and when they depart for migration and share your observations with TRC. Help out with the PooPoo Project by spreading the word about the problem of owl entrapment or by starting the project in your area with the guidance of our Poo-Poo experts.

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

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rehabilitation

Ferruginous Hawks, Idaho Fish & Game Count on TRC In early summer 2011, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) staff received a phone call from a concerned ranching family in the Mud Lake Area west of Rexburg, Idaho. They had been enjoying watching the progress of a hawk family nesting near their property, but realized they had not seen an adult hawk attending the nest for several days. IDFG staff visited the site and found four nestling Ferruginous Hawks that were alive but badly dehydrated and starving. Nearby, biologists found a dead adult female Ferruginous Hawk that had been shot.

Ferruginous Hawks are designated as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Idaho and as Sensitive by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); and the Mud Lake vicinity is one of two crucial breeding areas for this species in the Upper Snake Region of Idaho. Given the heightened

ents would likely adopt them. This method is called fostering and is an important technique for reintroducing young raptors back to the wild.

After four days of careful treatment, IDFG biologists took the rejuvenated hawks directly from TRC back to the Mud Lake area for release. Foster nests were selected that had no more than three nestlings so that parents would not be overwhelmed by too many mouths to feed. One nest was on an Osprey platform at the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area, the remaining three were on nearby BLM lands.

One fledgling was placed in each nest as anxious Ferruginous

“TRC is the most state-of-the-art raptor rehabilitation facility in the Greater Yellowstone Area and is able to care for injured raptors from both Wyoming and eastern Idaho.”

—Rob Cavallaro, Idaho Department of Fish and Game

conservation concern for this species, IDFG biologists collected the young hawks from the nest and brought them to Teton Raptor Center. IDFG Conservation Officers were alerted to the illegal shooting, however, due to lack of evidence the case remains unresolved.

TRC staff focused on nourishing and rehydrating the young hawks, while minimizing human contact to avoid the potential for the young birds imprinting on their caregivers. TRC Program Director Jason Jones then advised placing the rehabilitated orphans into other occupied Ferruginous Hawk nests, where attending par-

Top: A Ferruginous Hawk nestling reacts to its new home. Below: Checking the nest.

Both photos courtesy of Cory Braastad. Right: IDFG Biologist Rob Cavallaro holds an immature Golden Eagle that was rehabilitated at Teton Raptor Center, as he gets ready to return it to the wild on September 19, 2012 near the South Fork of the Snake River. Photo by Angela Homer.

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adults soared above. All birds were accepted by their foster parents and follow-up monitoring on two nests revealed 100% fledging success at both sites. Therefore, at least two of the birds rehabilitated by TRC successfully re-entered the wild population where they will have a chance to contribute to the persistence of their species in eastern Idaho.

Since 2009, raptors injured in eastern Idaho have benefitted from the outstanding care provided by TRC and a high percentage are released back to the wild in Idaho. Furthermore, many rehabilitated birds are designated as at-risk species such as the Great Gray Owl, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk. TRC is the most state-of-the-art raptor rehabilitation facility in the Greater Yellowstone Area and is able to care for injured raptors from both Wyoming and eastern Idaho due to the quality of their professional staff, committed volunteers, excellent facilities and cooperation between permitting agencies—IDFG, Wyoming Game and Fish and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. IDFG greatly appreciates the work of Amy, Jason, Laurie, Meghan and all the other people who make TRC such an effective conservation organization.

—Rob Cavallaro, Regional Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Diversity Program Upper Snake Region, Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Volunteers Make a Big Difference!

Jellen 2012 Ambassador-of-the-Year On a beautiful, yet smoky September evening, Teton Raptor Center presented its 3rd annual Ambassador Appreciation Night, with a barbeque to celebrate the many wonderful community members who devote enormous amounts of time and talent toward helping birds of prey. TRC selected two individuals to honor for 2012, one as the Ambassador-of-the-Year and the other as the recipient of the Golden Owl Award.

Jennifer Jellen was named the 2012 Ambassador-of-the-Year. Jen truly epitomizes what it means to be a TRC Ambassador—not only caring for the birds, but also sharing her love for these magnificent avian creatures with others. Jen presents educational programs for TRC and serves as a member of the RaptorFest committee, helping with logistics and sponsorships for TRC’s annual community celebration of birds of prey on Father’s Day. Jen spends most Thursday mornings feeding the birds and cleaning every inch of the Raptor Barn. Most impressively, Jen has been a key contributor to TRC’s conservation projects. In fact, the Osprey DNA Research Project was launched as a result of Jen’s willingness to share her vast experience with biological research and genetics.

Barbara Arnett, the recipient of the Golden Owl Award, is TRC’s weekend warrior. The Golden Owl Award was introduced last year to celebrate the unsung heroes of Teton Raptor Center—individuals who “give a hoot,” most often behind the scenes. For the last two years, Barb has reliably come in to feed the birds and make the Raptor Barn sparkle every single Saturday. She was also a part of the RaptorFest team, recruiting sponsorships for TRC’s biggest event of the year—where she enthusiastically donned a full eagle costume, becoming the event’s mascot.

In the last year, TRC Ambassadors donated hundreds of hours to support the programs and operations of Teton Raptor Center through care and feeding of the birds, mowing the lawn, painting the Hardeman Barns, greeting visitors, taking photos, and providing event support for events such as RaptorFest, Mocha’s Bash for the Birds, Old Bill’s Fun Run and more. To find out how YOU can become a TRC Ambassador, please call or visit our website.

Top photo: Teton Raptor Center Executive Director Amy Brennan McCarthy wih Jennifer Jellen, the 2012 Ambassador-of-the-Year. Below: Volunteers gathered this September at the center for the 3rd Annual Ambassador Appreciation night. Photos by Laurie Boss.

TRC Interns Teton Raptor Center was fortunate to have two fabulous interns so far this year. We look forward to the arrival of Ian Dolly, our Winter 2012-13 intern.

Kaitlynn Levine, best known as ‘Kit’, hit the ground running shortly after her February graduation from Middlebury College. Kit delved into our raptor rehabilitation program in preparation for her first year of vet school at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University this fall. In addition to caring for the birds, Kit was instrumental to the Avian Spring Celebration, coordinating multiple school and classroom visits for our special guest Olivia Bouler. Kit also recruited her family to volunteer at our 2nd Annual RaptorFest.

In June we welcomed Haylen Gregory, a remarkable woman who shared her passion and knowledge of birds of prey with scores of summer visitors.

Haylen graduated from the University of Colorado in 2011.

Kaitlynn "Kit" Levine Haylen's Experience "It didn’t take long for me to realize that this wasn’t any ordinary internship.

Within my first week I had already gained more than I had hoped for from this experience. That week I was involved with the release of a Red-tailed Hawk, a couple of visits to the vet, presented education programs and Haylen Gregory assisted in the rehabilitation of several injured raptors. Every week since has been as exciting and engrossing as the first. I have had the opportunity to work with various professionals, including a Curriculum Specialist on a raptor education outreach program, a Geneticist on a conservation project using Osprey DNA, and TRC’s Veterinarian and Board Member Dr. Dan Forman on avian medicine. Of course, being able to handle a Great-horned Owl and a Red-tailed Hawk, as well as a variety of other species has been unbelievable. Through hands-on experience handling raptors, I have developed a deep appreciation for these truly amazing creatures that has fueled my desire to become a conservation biologist.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a breathtaking location. Not only were the birds great to work with, but the staff and volunteers were always supportive and enthusiastic."

—Haylen Gregory, Summer/Fall 2012 Intern

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

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

www.tetonraptorcenter.org/ internships

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Thanks For giving a hoot!

Teton Raptor Center would like to express our fullest gratitude to the many individuals, families, 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.* 1% for the Tetons Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole 3 Creek Ranch Golf Club 49’er Inn & Suites Robert Ablondi & Deborah Wuersch Ablondi Armond Acri David Adams Stephen & Sara Adamson Bob & Fraida Aland Albertsons Joe Albright & Marcia Kunstel Arianna Alibabaie Alpine Wilderness Photography/ Drew Wright Don & Ann Alsted Gerry Amadon & Patty Reilly Ameriprise Financial Employee Gift Matching Program George & Patricia Amlin Ana’s Grand Excursions/ Ana Rode Rich, Yana & Griffen Anderson Animal Adoption Center Anonymous Anonymous Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Joan Anzelmo

Fred & Helen Arbuckle Margaret Arculus & Lloyd Yu Barbara Arnett Art Association of Jackson Hole Audubon Rockies Nancy Ayers Jane Baldwin Jeanne Ball Whitney Ball Annie Band Jewelry/Annie Band Bank of Jackson Hole Mr. & Mrs. David Barber Barker-Ewing Grand Teton National Park Float Trips Mark Barron & Ruth Ann Petroff Reba Bass Nancy & Joachim Bechtle Foundation Bryan Bedrosian/Craighead Beringia South Joe & Gainor Bennett Petie Bennett Bill & Betsy Benton Kent & Pegi Bernard Andrea Billingsley Richard Bloom & Becky Woods Bloom The Boathouse Foundation David & Anne Boberski Virgil & Laurie Boss

Jackson Bouler James Bouler Olivia Bouler David Bowers Photography Patti Boyd Cindy Brackett Philip N. Bredesen & Andrea Conte Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bremner in honor of Nancy Taylor & Bobby Hughes Patricia R. Brice in honor of Lauren & Sean Brice Clayton & Marjean Brillhart James Brinkerhoff Brookover Gallery Clark & Susan Brooks The Brooks Foundation/ Linda & Tony Brooks Donna Brown Doug Brown & Lorie Cahn Joan Bruck in honor of Michael Bruck Bomber & Amy Bryan Lee Bryant Bari Bucholz Fred & Connie Buge David & Diana Burrow David & Mary Bushnell Dennis & Marian Butcher C & N Foundation Rose Caiazzo Royce & Patricia Caldwell Franz Camenzind Michael Campbell Susan Campbell Tom & Meredith Campbell Terry Campbell, D.V.M. Capsicum Pro Audio & Visual John & Phyllis Cardis

Heather Carleton, D.V.M. Betsy Carlin & Betsy Watson Len Carlman & Anne Ladd Elaine & John Carney Fund Keith Carpenter Kurt & Nancy Carpenter Vance & Ann Carruth Tobias Carter Mary Ann Castellano Center for the Arts Center of Wonder Joanne Chan in honor of The Chung Family Chapman Family Foundation/ Jinx Chapman Lawrence & Patricia Chapman Sandy Chapman Chippy’s Kitchen & Catering Yvon & Malinda Chouinard Alicia Cipicchio Frances Clark Rich Clarkson & Assoc., LLC Curt & Tamara Clauson Patrick Cleary Tina Close Pete Closson/Jackson Hole High School Marc Cohen & Lyn MacEwen Cohen Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Youth Philanthropy Program Valerie Conger Cony Corporation Christy Cook Nathaniel Cooney Eugenie Copp Copyworks

Katherine Cottam Kevin Coughlan Crane Creek Graphics Inc. Helen Crawford Crazy Horse Croakies/John Scott Thomas L. and Carol-Ann Crow Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Cumming Foundation in gratitude to M. J. & Dan Forman The Hon. Cameron M. Currie Barbara Dainotti Matt & Cindy Daly Meg Daly Mitch Dann Daria Katie Davis Timothy T. Day Foundation/ Sandy & Tim Day Bradley & Diane Deering Conor Deiter Eric & Anne Delahaye E. John DelMonte A.J. DeRosa’s Wooden Boat River Tours Ted & Addie Donnan David & Nancy Donovan Dornan’s in Moose The Dorros Family Lloyd & Michele Dorsey Robert Doyon Phyllis Drake Sara Drake Dubbe Moulder Architects PC Nancy Eaton Gina Edwards EganWood Family Foundation/ Bill & Pauline Egan

Our Facebook followers submitted many fine Photos-of-the-Week. The picture that drew the most “likes” is Haylen Gregory’s shot of a quizzical Gyrfalcon, shown to the left. Top photos, L to R: Spotted Owl, Janet Smith; Bald Eagle, Seth Heeter; Lanner Falcon, Lisa Van Atta; Northern Saw-Whet Owl, John Sidle; Burrowing Owl, Kevin Warren; Bald Eagle, Jessica Penticoff; Osprey Eye Reflection, Bryan Gregson; “Gus,” the Golden Eagle, Clyde Buck.

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Elevated Grounds Coffeehouse Gary & Syd Elliott Denny Emory in memory of Liza the dog Episcopal School of Acadiana 5th Grade Class Chris Erickson & Lori Clark-Erickson Rhea Esposito Matt Fagin Mark & Marcie Feldman Dick & Jean Ferguson Greg Ferguson Regena Field Edward Field Family Thomas Filgo Fine Dining Restaurant Group, LLC Dr. Lisa Finkelstein Fish Creek Veterinary Clinic Francine Fleming James & Astrid Flood David Foster John Edward Fox Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Nancy Freeman in memory of Elizabeth McCabe Zach Freidhof Calvin & Sarah Frese Foster & Lynn Friess John & Annie Furrer Gail Fustos Glaxo Smith Kline Mary Gerty Amelia Gessler Margaret Gilday Lisa Gillette Jackie Gilmore Jay Glass Angus Goetz D.O. David & Joan Goldfarb John & Edna Good Leslie Goodyear John & Linda Graham Graham 4/Bob Graham, Karen Terra, Matt Faupel & Julie Faupel Grand Targhee Resort Grand Teton Adventure Company Grand Teton Association Grand Teton Music Festival Great Northern Coffee Company Haylen Gregory Greta Gretzinger

Spencer Griffith & Cynthia Fischer Karen Griffiths & Shawnee Robertson Patti Griswold Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures Anthony Gunnell Diane Guslander Ralph & Louise Haberfeld Ilka Hadlock Jordan Haferbier Annabel Hagen Maggie Hagen Roald, Audrey, Annabel, Tomi & Grant Hagen Charles Hager, Jr. Victor Haghani Mike & Francesca Hammer

Norman Hirschfield Foundation/ Berte & Alan Hirschfield Simon Hirschfield Richard & Karen Hobbins Jennifer L. Hoffman Fine Art Nancy Hoffman Avery Holdsworth Victoria Hollingsworth Katie Hoskinson David & Missy Hoster Jack & Carrie Howe Elizabeth Howell Tom & Linda Howell Eric Huber Mercedes Huff & Associates Bobby Hughes Hughes Fund Kit Hughes Paula Hughes

Jennifer Jellen Kimberly Johnson & Charlotte Johnson Matthew S. Johnston, VMD, DABVP-Avian Jason, Pons & Emma Jones Journeys School 8th Graders (2011-2012) Gillian Kabat in honor of a Swainson’s Hawk rescued in 2009 Deb Keenan Margaret Kelly Gisela Kenyon Mr. and Mrs. Greg Kerley Charlotte Kidd Donald M. & Helen H. Kidder Family Foundation Fred Kingwill Watercolors

Through the work of TRC, people get to see magnificent wild creatures at very close range, in this case wild birds. There’s just something so special about seeing injured birds be rehabilitated and then set free again.

—Joan Anzelmo Ben Hammond & Lisa Johnson Michael & Deb Hannigan Kathleen Hanning Stephen & Carolyn Harasimowicz David, Leslye, Cameron & Lachlan Hardie John & Carol Harkness The Harmonic Spa Kathy Harrington in memory of Jackie Hiller George & Suzanne Harris Ronald Harris Shepard & Melissa Harris Suzanne Harris Ann Harvey Jennifer Hays Laney & Tory Hayssen Seth Heeter Ryan Hennessy Jim & Betsy Hesser High Country Linen Lynda Hill Tom, Jane, Maggie & Ellie Hill Marty Val Hill & Terry Hill A. James & Virginia Hirschfeld

Hungry Jack’s General Store Margaret Hunt Interval Management Services, Inc./Catherine Smith Rand & Dana Jack Robert Jack Jack Dennis Sports on the Square Jackson Curbside Recycling JH Chamber of Commerce Jackson Hole Community School Jackson Hole Community School Students Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Jackson Hole Paragliding/ Scott Harris Jackson Hole Pendleton Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Joint Powers Board Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Jackson Trading Company George & Karen James Lincoln Jaros through Network for Good

Fred & Susan Kingwill Carrie & Scott Kirkpatrick Fund Bill Klyn Knobe’s RadioShack Knobloch Family Foundation Christopher & Pippa Knowlton Tom & Jennifer Kohlardt James & Jane Kohnke Stacy Kopper Brian Krusoe Susan & Tara Kurtz Kurtz Family Charitable Fund/ Dr. Neil Kurtz & Mrs. Susan Kurtz Carla Kussner Andy LaBonte Hallie Lane Curtis Langer Allen & Kathleen Lauer Dr. Christine Laughery, DVM B. A. Lauterbach Steve Laven & Cynthia Meyers Lazy Moose Ranch/ Robin & Cherrie Siegfried Tharon LeBlanc Judy Legg

Brian Lenz Elliot Leuthold Ike & Laurie Levine Kaitlynn Levine Mary Levins Don & Dorothy Lewis Bette Linderman Gene & Ellen Linn The Liquor Store & Wine Loft Jack & Jodi Livingood Anthony Lockwood & Ruth Keating-Lockwood in honor of Marlies & Ed Artzt Mary Lohuis Maura Longden LOR Foundation Barbara Lovett John & Patty Lummis Nick Lydon Ben Mackay Andy and Clark Mackenzie through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole MacFund/David MacKenzie Macy’s Services MADE Leslie Mapes Hunter Marrow & Tracy Blue John & Adrienne Mars Linda Mars Bob Martin in Memory of Olaus Murie Master’s Studio Leslie Mattson Liza Mazzacane Florence McCall Photography Forrest & Amy McCarthy Porgy McClelland McDonald’s of Jackson Hole Bernard McHugh Bruce & Renee McIntyre Nancy McLaughlin David Mecartney & Kelly Cornell Mecartney Medical Imaging Inc. Dr. Morris & Irene Mellion Mack & Katie Mendenhall Mike & Linda Merigliano Luke Metherell Ellen Miille Marc & Marian Milgram Gregory and Diane Miller Scott & Elinor Miller Christina Mizelle Kelly Moberly

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

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Supporters continued from page 13 Joe Moore & Susan Broderick Moore Mountain Khakis The Mountaineer/ Vinny McClelland in honor of George K. McClelland Jr. Susan Mortensen MRB Foundation David & Christine Murdoch The Murie Center Alexander & Joohee Muromcew Allyson Murphy John Murphy Stan Murphy Elizabeth Nahon Natural Images/Irene Greenberg Andrew & Danna Nehrbas Nelson Family Foundation Trust/ Clarke Nelson Kent & Ann Nelson Tracy Newburg Rod & Anne Newcomb Julianne O’Donoghue O’Hare Family Private Foundation/Scott & Kacy O’Hare Keith B. Ohnmeis Foundation Ellie Levins Oksanen Old Bill’s Fun Run Pass Through Fund of Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Clary Olmstead & Kathleen Heenan Patty O’Neil Ed & Laura Opler Gilman and Marge Ordway Fund W.J. and Katharine Overlock, Jr. Ashley Pacelli Arnold Palumbo Biba and Jon Parker Foundation Debra Patla Kevin, Mary & Hailey Patno Tom Patricelli Pearl Street Bagels David Pennington Pepi Steigler Sports Arturo Peralta-Ramos Cynda Peralta-Ramos Persephone Bakery Hank Phibbs & Leslie Petersen Sarah Phocas Susan Pieper-Bailey Scott & Lisa Pierson Martin & Jean Pillars

Mark Pokras, D.V.M. Mrs. James Polis Reynolds & Bettie Pomeroy Steve, Carol and Emily Poole Alexander Power Laura Powley Lisa Lord Price Stevie & Wyatt Priceless Foundation Leeann Prichard Puffinworks Peter & Mary Purdue Terence Quirke David & Patsy Raaum Rafter J’s Cafe Bean David & Ellen Raisbeck Julio Ramirez & Marie Perucca-Ramirez Raymond James Financial Services, Inc./J Singleton Financial Bert Raynes Patrick Redig, D.V.M. Reel Deal Anglers Fred & Margie Reimers Debbie Reis Kathy Remus Bill Resor & Story Clark Resor Chuck Resor Nancy Resor Turner Resor John Ricci Brie Richardson John & Marlene Ricketts Riddell & Riddell, Inc./ Ed & Lee Riddell Travis & Annie Riddell Jonathan Riehl Robert Righter & Sherry Smith Josh Robbins Rogue Rosalie Grace Robertson Steve & Lisa Robertson G. Paul & V. Margaret Robinson Rocky & Larrie Rockwell Eileen Rodgers Ernie Rodriguez Judy Rogers Grant Rogers Wendy Rominger in memory of Antoniette Burton Akers 1895-2000 Mr. & Mrs. Edward W. Rose, III Monroe & Andrea Rosenthal

Mike & Karen Ryan Andrew Sabin Family Foundation The Sage Foundation/ Steven & Roberta Denning Andrew Salter & Michele Gammer John & Kathleen Sander Linda Savage Reginald & Barbara Seville Dr. George Schaller Walter Scherer Brian & Maggie Schilling

Gray Smith Randy & Dorie Smith Roger, Creel, Elsa Smith & Margaret Creel Snake River Brewing Snake River Builders, Inc./ John & Pauline McIntosh Allen & Susan Snyder Joanna Snyder Something Wild This Way Comes/Amy Ringholz The Spare Room Studio Kent Spence

In Memoriam Teton Raptor Center lost a fine friend and neighbor on October 14, 2012. A.A Zvegintzov, best known as Sandy Z., died of a heart attack while hiking Mt. Glory. Sandy was an artist, ski instructor, sailor and a special part of the Wilson community. His warm smile and great tolerance of the boisterous young falcons each season will be missed. Photo courtesy of John Slaughter Imagery, www.jsimagery.com Carl & Judie Schmidlapp Carole Malia Schneider Walter & Deborah Schobel Eleanor Scully Mitzi Sealander Rachel Shaffer Landon Shanafelt Nancy Shea Shedmar Partners/Tod Shedlosky Florence Shepard David Shlim & Jane Gallie Barry & Priscilla Sibson Robert Silverman Benj Sinclair in honor of Roger Smith & Patti Boyd Skinny Skis Richard & Carol Skjerven Frank & Mimi Slaughter Smith’s Food & Drug Centers Garnett A. Smith Family Foundation

Austin & Suzanne Spitzer Spring Creek Animal Hospital/ Dan & M.J. Forman Spring Creek Ranch/ Rising Sage Cafe Jim & Kim Springer Wilton Springer Jane Squires Kathi Squires Fred & Jeanie Staehr Stagecoach Bar STARR Fund START Bus John & Jennifer Stark The Staryk Family Michael Stelpflug Melinda Stevens Trevor Stevenson Barbara Stone Phoebe Stoner Elizabeth Storer

*Donors and volunteers who contributed time, talent, financial resources, and in-kind services and gifts between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012 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. Photos, top to bottom: A young participant models her face painting. Photo by Mack Mendenhall. Raptorfest photo, shot by falconcam. A speaker from Wind River Dancers addresses the gathering. Barbara Arnett became the Raptorfest mascot when she donned a full eagle costume. "Peregrine Pilsner" was a popular pour at the event. All three photos by Mack Mendenhall.

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Burr Storrs Casey Stout David Strickland & Amy Fradley Karen Strohmaier in honor of Encinal Elementary 2012 Class of Room 21 Krista Struhsacker Mark Sullivan, Attorney-at-Law Steve & Anna Sullivan Karli Swenson Joshua & Adrienne Tatman Edward & Bobbie Taylor Kat Taylor Whitney Taylor Michael & Jennifer Tennican Allan & Frances Tessler Fund Teton County 4-H Poultry Club Teton Rental Center Teton Science Schools/ Road Scholars Teton Springs Resort & Club Teton Valley Community School Preschool Children Gregory Thalken Diane Thomas Terri Thomas Ken & Bobbi Thomasma Thursday Roundtable Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Randy & Kathleen Titsworth TomKat Charitable Trust Town of Jackson-Public Works Stan & Barbara Trachtenberg Nate Trautenberg Shannon Troxler Thal Laura Tully John & Mary Kay Turner Turner Fine Art/ Kathryn Turner John & Kathleen Tyrrell Unfried Foundation/ Amy & Steve Unfried Randy & Amy Urick Valley Bookstore Teal VanKirk Rilla Varley September Vhay Rich Viola

Polly & Sandy Wakeman Jim Walter Wandering Eagle Native Creations Jeff Ward Mike and Charlya Ward William & Deborah Ward Amy & Kevin Warren Meghan Warren John & Jocelyn Wasson James & Hermione Watkinson David, Rhonda, Nathan, Taylor, & Trevor Watson Michael H. Wehrle Mary K. Weiss Foundation William E. Weiss Foundation, Inc. Gary & Maryjo Weissman Fred Weldon White Willow Publishing John & Suzanne Whitmore Whit & Beth Whitworth John & Nancy Wilbrecht Wild By Nature Gallery/ Henry H. Holdsworth Wild Hands Wild Wings Environmental Education Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools Kate Wilkinson Kurt & Chris Wimberg Ben Winship & Caroline Herter Wilson Backcountry Sports Wilson Elementary School Steve & June Wolfson The Wood Family/ Peter, Libby & Bella Wood David & Susan Work Christopher Wright Jason Wright Wyoming Arts Council Wyoming Balloon Company Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Wyoming Wetlands Society Bob Zelnio A. A. Zvegintzov Lyudmila Zvegintzov

Great holiday or anytime gifts!

Teton Raptor Center T-shirts, visors, books and more are available at the TRC store. A purchase at the TRC store helps us soar! Purchase online at:

tetonraptorcenter.org/store

rockin' with the raptors

RaptorFest launched an exciting and busy summer for Teton Raptor Center with an afternoon of fun and feather-filled festivity for the whole family on Father’s Day. Our second annual RaptorFest celebrated birds of prey through music, dance, art, story and science, and raised over $25,000 to support our work to help birds of prey through education, conservation and rehabilitation. Throughout the afternoon guests enjoyed face painting, flighted demonstrations by falcons and hawks, and featured musical performances by singer-songwriter Zach Freidhof and local artists John Carney and Hank Phibbs. Again this year, the Wind River Dancers performed a variety of American Indian dance styles and shared their cultural connection to birds of prey. And, the Remarkable Raptor Raffle and Silent Auction were bigger than ever, featuring flight-themed and bird-inspired gifts, art and experiences courtesy of the generous sponsors who assured that RaptorFest will be a treasured community celebration for years to come.

TRC Program Director Jason Jones educates the audience during a flighted demonstration.

Photo by Mack Mendenhall.

Save the date! raptorfest 2013 Father’s Day, June 16th

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

$25,000!

Help our Flight Challenge lift off!

Become a friend

of Teton Raptor Center and double your year-end gift through our FLIGHT CHALLENGE! Help Teton Raptor Center launch into the New Year by having your end-of-year contribution matched—doubling the impact of your gift to help birds of prey. An anonymous donor has issued a challenge match. All NEW or INCREASED gifts received by December 31, 2012 will be matched up to $25,000! Make your 100% tax-deductible donation before the end of the year as a NEW donor—or by INCREASING your last donation to help us maximize the match.

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.

Giving Opportunities

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 © Copyrighted photo by Bryan Gregson

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

Newsletter printed on PEFC-certified paper, using vegetable-based ink. Publication designed by Rebecca Woods Bloom. Kindly recycle this newsletter with office pack when you are finished reading it, or pass it along and share the news from Teton Raptor Center with others. We also invite you to sign-up for our e-news by visiting www.tetonraptorcenter.org. Thank you!