Flight Log - Volume 7, Winter 2015/2016

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 2015/2016 Volume 7

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.

“This is a must do for any nature or outdoor lover.

We loved the one-hour educational session that featured several of the 'resident raptors.' The staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They are doing noble and important work here—please support their efforts!!!”

—Samba Jones,

Lake mary, Florida, Raptor Encounters participant, September 2015

Great Gray Owl by 13-year-old wildlife photographer Ashleigh Scully.

See more of her work at: ashleighscullyphotography.com.

Learn more about our research on Great Gray Owls on page 12.

Board of Directors Roger Smith, Chair Andy Salter, Vice-Chair Lisa Lord Price, Secretary Rich Bloom, Treasurer Patti Boyd Tom Hill David Hoster Christopher Knowlton Katrina Ryan Porgy McClelland, Emeritus

Amy Brennan McCarthy and Roger Smith. © Photo by Jeffrey kaphan

Advisory Council Steve Cain Terry W. Campbell, D.V.M. Heather Carleton, D.V.M. Len Carlman, J.D. 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 Carrie Ann Adams, Program Assistant Bryan Bedrosian, Senior Avian Ecologist Becky Collier, Senior Avian Educator Lisa Friesecke, Admin. Coordinator Katherine Gura, Field Biologist Amy Brennan McCarthy, Executive Dir. Sarah Ramirez, Fall 2015 Rehab. Intern Meghan Warren, Rehab. Coordinator David Watson, Dir. of Development 2015 Seasonal Field Biologists Adam Carman, Kaitlin Harrigan Kate Howard, Beth Mendelsohn

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

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

Contact us

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

Find Us on:

injured Raptor Hotline

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307.200.6019 Available every day of the year!

‘‘It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.’’ —Author Unknown Greetings from Teton Raptor Center!

This year at Teton Raptor Center we’ve felt the power of many wings, as never before. Our lifting capacity has increased significantly due to your support and the enhanced specialization of our talented and growing team. In Spring 2015, we welcomed new staff, board members, and advisory council representatives — each bringing keen expertise and great passion for our work to help birds of prey through educational programs, conservation initiatives and research, and rehabilitative care and treatment.

This year, David Hoster and Katrina Ryan joined our dedicated Board of Directors. Heather Carleton, D.V.M. and wildlife biologist Steve Cain became the newest members of our esteemed Advisory Council. Our full-time staff grew to include Director of Development David Watson, Senior Avian Educator Becky Collier, Senior Avian Ecologist Bryan Bedrosian, and Field Biologist Katherine Gura.

In the past year we’ve also more than doubled our collection of resident raptors, diversifying the species represented and building more opportunities for you to enjoy an up-close learning experience with birds of prey. We’ve established a vibrant conservation research branch— offering new and meaningful insight into a variety of avian species, including Great Gray Owls, Golden Eagles, and the Greater Sage-Grouse.

In the rehabilitation barn our patient load rose to triple digits this year, representing 24 distinct species in need of our care from throughout Wyoming and Idaho. Our care and service to these birds has never been better and we have YOU to thank. As we focus on a stronger future for this unique and purposeful work, your gift today will help improve the lives of birds of prey, restore the communities and habitats where they live, and create a global appreciation and understanding of their value.

With abundant gratitude,

Amy Brennan McCarthy Executive Director

Roger N. Smith Founder and Board Chair

conservation

Poo-Poo Project Expands to 16 states!

Each year thousands of cavity-nesters, animals that prefer dark, narrow spaces for nesting and roosting, become entrapped in vertical open pipes such as ventilation pipes, claim stakes, and chimneys. Vault toilets, the self-contained restrooms found in many of America’s wilderness areas, feature vertical ventilation pipes that mimic the natural cavities preferred by various bird species for nesting and roosting. Teton Raptor Center’s Poo-Poo Project aims to prevent wildlife entrapment within vent pipes found on vault toilets throughout the US by installing safe and effective “Poo-Poo screens.”

In 2010, with support from a grant from 1% for the Tetons, Teton Raptor Center initiated a community-driven project to install 100 screens on the ventilation pipes of vault toilets throughout Grand Teton National Park as well as the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests. These screens, which are designed to prevent nondegradable waste from entering the toilets, also effectively prevent cavity-nesting species from entering and becoming trapped without compromising ventilation.

Each year, the US Forest Service recognizes successful conservation work with its prestigious Wings Across the Americas

award. Teton Raptor Center and its partners, including Grand Teton National Park, were honored to receive the award for the PooPoo Project in 2014.

Steve Cain, then Senior Wildlife Biologist, Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, praised Teton Raptor Center for "coming up with this simple product that stands to benefit millions of acres of public lands across our country.

Our hats are off to them."

As of September 30 , 2015, TRC has distributed 5,752 screens, including customsized screens for atypical vent pipes, in 16 different states across the US. The project continues to grow and draw attention from a national audience, in part thanks to a “Tech Tip” put out in May of 2015 to the public land management agencies by Missoula Technology and the USDA Forest Service.

The “Tech Tip” encourages the use of screens to keep owls out of vault toilets and features TRC’s screen as well as other models.

To learn more about the Poo-Poo Project and how you can help, visit: tetonraptorcenter.org/about/ conservtion/poo-poo-project th

States reached by Poo-Poo Project: D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

Alaska Arizona California Colorado Idaho Minnesota Montana nebraska new Mexico nevada Oregon South Dakota Texas Utah washington wyoming

Vents Covered After Long-eared Owl Rescue

In August 2012, Steamboat Lake State Park rangers in Clark, Colorado rescued a Long-eared Owl that was unfortunate enough to spend the night in a vault toilet at Pearl Lake. They were able to pull him out, but he couldn't fly. The small owl was sent to Born Free Wildlife Rehab in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for care. After a good bath, some TLC and time to recover from the ordeal, he was set free again.

Steamboat Lake State Park has now covered all vault toilet vents with TRC vent screens to keep owls out and safe from entrapment.

PHOTOS

Left: Long-eared Owl. Photo courtesy of Steamboat Lake State Park. Top: Boreal Owl trapped in a vault toilet vent. Vent screens prevent small raptors such as these from becoming trapped. Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service.

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

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story of the year

A Second Chance

“As I watched her fly off, I had that familiar pang that I always get during releases. It’s this protective feeling when you let go, knowing that their well-being is out of your hands. But, that’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s nothing better than watching a raptor return to the wild.”

—Meghan Warren, Rehabilitation Coordinator

Once in a while, a raptor patient will steal the hearts of everyone involved—from the point of rescue, throughout the course of rehabilitation, and always at that treasured moment of release. These birds arrive at our doors, sometimes in the most terrible condition, and you think, how can this bird still be alive?

Yet the will to live is strong, and their fight to survive combined with the expert care they receive in our clinic often are the key elements to a second chance at life in the wild.

On April 27th at 8 p.m., the raptor hotline rang and Executive Director Amy McCarthy took the call. Amy, along with Roger Smith, TRC’s Founder and Board Chair, packed up the Raptormobile (TRC’s minivan) and raced to the river. When they arrived, they found a mature Bald Eagle, soaking wet and huddled on the banks of the Snake River.

Earlier that evening, residents of the neighborhood watched as the eagle and an Osprey fought over a fish. The eagle, being a natural bully, attempted to steal the fish, but the Osprey wasn’t keen on letting go of her meal. As the observers watched the raptor display, they saw the eagle fly head-on into a power line. They heard a loud ‘POP!’ as the eagle was shocked. The eagle hung from the wire for about ten seconds before plummeting, head first, into the river below. Acting quickly, they used paddles and ski poles to pull the eagle to shore. She coughed up water and reared up to defend herself from her rescuers.

Despite her fierce attitude, they could tell the eagle was in bad shape, so they called TRC for help.

The sun was setting when Amy and Roger arrived. They quickly caught the eagle and rushed her back to TRC. She was immediately given fluids and antibiotics and then placed into the oxygen and incubation chamber, where the concentrated oxygen helped her breath and the incubator warmed her up. The next morning, after the eagle had time to recuperate and dry out, Becky Collier, TRC’s Senior Avian Educator, closely examined the eagle for wounds from the electrification. She didn’t find any wounds, but sadly, discovered a brood patch. Incubating birds will pluck a patch of feathers from their belly to create a bare area, which allows the eggs to rest against the skin and retain warmth from the bird’s body. The female eagle was likely taking a break from incubating young chicks when she collided with the power line.

Our hearts sank at this discovery because we knew her mate PHOTO A Bald Eagle rehabilitated by TRC staff takes flight. © Photo by Henry Cadwalader.

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

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story of the year

wouldn’t be able to care for her young offspring. That morning, she was lethargic and wheezing with every breath. We thought she wouldn’t survive the day.

Our advising veterinarian, Heather Carleton, D.V.M., prescribed Lasix, the same medication used to treat pneumonia in humans. This helped remove water from the eagle’s lungs. By day seven, she started to show strong improvements, yet she was still too lethargic to eat. We hand-fed her mice, bits of quail, and fish for weeks. It wasn’t until early June that she started to eat on her own. At that point, we were hopeful. Her recovery was slow, but steady.

On June 11th, we tested her ability to fly on a creance, an 85-foot lightweight line attached to anklets on her legs. We were blown away by her abilities. Not only did she fly perfectly, but she didn’t get winded right away. We started flying her several times per week after that. Each time, she gave it everything she had with a tenacious spirit. We watched in awe as she gained strength and endurance.

On July 3rd, we gathered her rescuers, our staff and board members, and TRC Ambassadors who had been vital in the eagle’s daily care and treatment. We took her back to her territory for release, near what we believed to be her nest site.

As she took off flying downriver, the crowd cheered. She had her second chance at life in the wild. Next spring and hopefully for many years to come, this eagle will raise a brood of chicks and contribute to the survival of her species. As I watched her fly off, I had that familiar pang that I always get during releases.

It’s this protective feeling when you let go, knowing that their well-being is out of your hands. But, that’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s nothing better than watching a raptor return to the wild.

—Meghan Warren, Rehabilitation Coordinator

wish list

This eagle likely made it through the critical 48 hours of initial care due to a vital piece of equipment that was supported by a gift from Dorothy and Don Lewis in 2013. Our oxygen and incubation chamber is a critical resource for birds suffering from head trauma and young birds that cannot thermoregulate.

The donors of this machine found it on our wish list. We invite you to take a look at our wishes and help us save more birds!

D

“Views of the Mews” – Security and web cam system for our raptor barns

D

iPads for recording patient information and for educational programs

D D D D

ATV and trailer for field research

D

Gift cards for Staples, K-mart, Amazon or gas stations to support supplies for all aspects of our programs and operations

D

Unscented laundry detergent for rehab clinic

D

A full-size, climate-controlled cargo van for educational outreach

Centrifuge for clinic GPS transmitters for field research First aid supplies (e.g., cotton bandages, 2” vet wrap, latex gloves)

PHOTOS Top and middle: The injured eagle takes off on a creance, a lightweight line that tests her ability to fly. A staff member holds the injured eagle during treatment. Note the protective splint on her tail. © Photos by Rebecca Bredehoft. Bottom: Meghan releases the eagle as onlookers cheer her flight. © Photo by Henry Cadwalader.

For more ways to make our wishes come true, visit: tetonraptorcenter.org/support/wish-list

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

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year-in-review

By the Numbers: (as of 09.30.2015)

TRC Operations & Programs Teton Raptor Center’s revenue for fiscal year 2014 totaled $556,379. TRC incurred expenses of $479,281. Our fiscal year is the calendar year. We invite you to review our Form 990, available on our website.

People D D D

6 Full-time and 5 seasonal staff

D D D D

5,322 Volunteer hours contributed

Income by Source

Expenses by Class

Sales 1%

10 Advisory Council members 10 Members on the Board of Directors

Fundraising 9%

Program/ Service Revenue 25%

Administration 14%

3,676 Facebook friends Program 77%

3,459 Instagram followers Contributions & Grants 74%

Constituents from 50 States and 12 Countries

17 GPS transmitters deployed on Greater Sage-Grouse

Rehabilitation D

104 Raptors Admitted for Care (428)*

D

24 unique species of raptor treated (27)*

D

2,452 Patient Care Days (9,602)*

* Since 2010

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43,503

45,146

43,352 29,654

2015 1Q - 3Q

D

2014

40 Great Gray Owl territories discovered in Jackson Hole

2013

D

Programs Delivered

2012

54 Species of birds banded as part of the MAPS Project

2015 1Q - 3Q

D

2014

930 Birds mist-netted for the MAPS Project

2013

D

2012

5,752 Poo-Poo screens distributed in 16 states* 2011

D

2010

Conservation

2011

7,550 Miles logged on the Raptormobile for rescues and programs (45,808)*

'10 11.9k

D

315

14,481 Program Participants (99,377)*

402

D

353

315 Education Programs delivered (1,975)*

387

D

355

7 Resident Raptors (Owly, Ruby, Gus, Baxter, Mendel, K2, River)

246

D

53,895

Education

website Visitation

Participation and Visitation: TRC continues to enjoy strong activity in both website visits and participation in our on-site and outreach programs. The 2015 data represent January through September only.

With Thanks and Appreciation TRC's board and staff extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dan Forman and Porgy mcClelland for over six years of leadership and service on TRC's Board of Directors. We welcome Porgy's continued role as an emeritus director. We salute both of you for your wisdom and dedication, and extend our deepest gratitude.

Porgy with Ruby.TRC staff photo.

year-in-review

Teton Raptor Center’s

2015 Rehabilitation Review

Teton Raptor Center admitted a record number of patients in the last year (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015). As awareness of our services grows, so too does our caseload. In the past year, TRC admitted 117 new birds and continued to care for 10 raptors that were admitted prior to October 1, 2014. These 127 raptors required a total of 2,994 patient care days during that period.

We also saw increased species diversity, admitting 24 distinct raptor species. As always, Great Horned Owls (25) were the most common species admitted, followed by Red-tailed Hawks (15), American Kestrels (14), and Bald Eagles (7). Unfortunately, the leading causes of admission are collisions with vehicles, windows, and fences, as well as electrifications and entanglement in filaments. We admitted raptors from throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and across the state of Idaho. During this yearlong period, 62% of our patients came from Idaho.

Raptors need to be at peak performance in order to return to the wild after suffering from fractures, head trauma, severe wounds, or illness. We are proud to report that we returned 22 raptors to the wild in the last year. We also found permanent homes for 7 raptors to serve as educational ambassadors. We had a 56% release and transfer rate for birds that survived beyond the first 48 hours.

admissions

by Raptor Group and Species between Oct 1, 2014 and Sept 30, 2015 (117 birds)

species American Kestrel ......................... 14 Bald Eagle ..................................... 7 Barn Owl ........................................ 5 Burrowing Owl ............................... 1 Cooper's Hawk .............................. 1 Ferruginous Hawk ......................... 1 Flammulated Owl........................... 2 Golden Eagle ................................. 5 Great Gray Owl.............................. 2 Great Horned Owl........................ 25 Long-eared Owl ............................. 7 Merlin ............................................. 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl................. 3 Northern Harrier............................. 2 Osprey ........................................... 3 Peregrine Falcon ........................... 1 Prairie Falcon ................................ 1 Red-tailed Hawk .......................... 15 Rough-legged Hawk ...................... 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk ..................... 4 Short-eared Owl ............................ 2 Swainson's Hawk .........................11 Turkey Vulture ............................... 1 Western Screech Owl .................... 2

PHOTOS Species box, Great Horned owl, and this box, Swainson's Hawk. Above: Meghan Warren and Sue Ernisse. © Photos by Rebecca Bredehoft.

Rebecca was given TRC's 2015 Avian Artist Award, while Sue was recognized as this year's Rehab Hero.

Final Resolutions*

Transferred 14%

Released 42%

Euthanized 23%

raptor group

Owls ..............................................49 Hawks ............................................. 33 Falcons ........................................... 17 Eagles .............................................12 Osprey .............................................. 3 Harriers ............................................. 2 New World Vultures ..........................1

Admissions by State

Wyoming 38%

Idaho 62%

Died 21%

* For birds surviving more than 48 hours

Total Admissions: 117 birds, 24 species

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

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education

PHOTOS Top left: Senior Avian Educator Becky Collier with Gus, our resident Golden Eagle. Top right: Baxter, our resident Peregrine Falcon. Photos by TRC staff.

Middle left: K2, our resident Eurasian Eagle-owl. © Photo by Rebecca Bredehoft.

TRC’s Education Update: Birds with Purpose

Raptor Encounters Join us for an enjoyable hour-long, up-close learning experience with live birds of prey.

j October through May

Saturdays at 2 p.m.

(Reservations Required)

j June through September

Wednesdays through Saturdays at 2 p.m.

(Reservations Recommended)

j Private Raptor Encounters by appointment

Call 307-203-2551 to book your Raptor Encounter or private experience. For more TRC events and programs, please visit: tetonraptorcenter.org/connect/calendar.

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This has been an incredible year of growth at Teton Raptor Center, especially in the education department. As of the end of September, our resident raptors provided conservation education opportunities for 14,481 people at 315 programs and events this year. These birds, along with our incredible team of volunteers and staff, have worked tirelessly to share our mission with any and all who are interested in learning!

A raptor’s typical job is to provide balance to the ecosystem. If they can no longer fulfill that role, they are assigned a new duty—a responsibility for their species to help educate others about what is happening to wildlife and what we can do to help. With consistent handling, our Avian Ambassadors have become quite comfortable with their education role, and we’re pleased to share that the resident raptor team has expanded.

Most folks are familiar with Owly, the Great Horned Owl; Gus, the Golden Eagle; and Ruby, the Red-tailed Hawk. These birds have served as the foundation of Teton Raptor Center’s resident team since the mid-2000s. With support from the community and TRC friends from coast to coast, we have more than doubled our resident ambassador team in 2015!

In late 2014, TRC took in Baxter, a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, from Ironside Bird Rescue in Cody, Wyoming. Baxter was struck by a vehicle in August of the same year and sustained a broken wing that healed in such a way that he can no longer fly. Baxter has proven an extremely tolerant and content falcon in his short time with TRC. He may be small, but his lively energy and gorgeous colors (as he molts into his adult plumage) often steal the show.

In February 2015 a new staff member joined the TRC team. Becky Collier, our Senior Avian Educator, moved across the country from Alabama, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience working with a variety of bird species, primarily raptors. Becky is also a certified 6th12th grade science teacher and has 13 years experience working for schools and environmental centers to spread the word about the importance of conservation. Becky assisted in the transfer of three birds from her previous program to TRC. mendel, a 7-year-old hybrid owl, arrived with Becky in February. K2, an 11-year-old Eurasian Eagle-owl, and River, a 3-year-old American Bald Eagle followed in the months after Becky’s arrival and are now full-time residents at TRC. Mendel and K2 are not native to the United States and are therefore not candidates for release into the wild. River survived a rare blood infection that left her with limited mobility in the left wrist, affecting her flight. While the infection is gone and she is stable, River will never fully regain precise movement in the joint and cannot be released. web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

education

tales feathered

TRC Ambassador Steve Poole keeps an eye on the sky and a finger on the pulse of numerous Jackson Hole raptor nests. A long-time TRC volunteer and friend, Steve sends us updates on our favorite raptor families throughout the year along with photos that capture the intimate details of these birds’ daily lives.

We created “Feathered Tales,” a new blog on our website to share Steve’s stories with the Jackson Hole community and to provide a space for wildlife photographers and TRC friends and staff members to share stories from the field, featuring raptors from the backyard to around the globe. If you have a feathered tale to tell, email raptors@tetonrpatorcenter.org to be featured on our blog!

Out of the nest and into the Mud “Today we had a great eagle show. From out in the lake we spotted a Bald Eagle sitting high in a tree above the campground at Wilcox Point. We paddled slowly and cautiously closer and closer till we found ourselves right under this beautiful bird. We resumed paddling and enjoyed a pelican preening on a log. Carol spotted this eagle fledgling on the shore so we again slowly paddled to about 50 yards from this fledgling playing in the shoreline water and mud, while looking over our shoulder to make sure mom didn’t fly in from behind. Its bath and some minnow fishing were fun to watch. I think the feet stuck firm enough a few times that it took a few wing beats to get moving.

Great show. Magnificent birds.” —Steve Poole For more stories from Steve and other contributors, visit: tetonraptorcenter.org/learn/feathered-tales

Whether visiting a kindergarten class in Jackson or traveling to meet guests in Grand Teton National Park, our avian ambassadors are up to the challenge of sharing the Center’s mission. We hope you will tell your friends and family about our work to help these impressive Avian Ambassadors continue to serve an important purpose for their ecosystem, our community, and the world.

PHOTOS Middle left: Mendel, our resident hybrid owl. © Photo by Rebecca Bredehoft.

Right: Bald Eagle and eagle fledgling. © Photos by Steve Poole.

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rehabilitation A Case Study

What Does it Take to Help a Raptor Recover? from Pocatello, but through a series of volunteers and biologists from the IDFG, the owl made it to TRC’s clinic in the nick of time.

flammulated owl

fun facts

Diagnosis Small punctures in the skin and a systemic infection pointed to a predator attack, most likely from a house cat.

D Flammulated owls are extremely rare in Wyoming and are very hard to find.

D Flammulated Owls are truly

nocturnal: though many owls are considered crepuscular, meaning they hunt at dawn and dusk, Flammulated Owls hunt through the middle of the night.

D Flammulated Owls are cavity-

nesters. This is one of the species benefited by the Poo-Poo Project.

D Flammulated Owls eat almost

exclusively insects and very few vertebrates at all. They eat crickets, moths and beetles.

D Weight: 1.6-2.2 ounces or 45-63 grams

D Wingspan:

16.1 inches or 41 centimeters

One of nature’s most secretive creatures, the Flammulated Owl, made an appearance in TRC’s rehab clinic this year. Upon successful rehabilitation of the owl, treated for a cat attack, the teeny-tiny owl was released!

Rescue Middle school students found the injured owl during recess. The savvy kids left the owl alone and went to find a teacher. Their teacher immediately called the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Pocatello, ID. Teton Raptor Center is nearly 140 miles PHOTOS Left: Flammulated Owl. Photo by Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service. Above: Flammulated Owl. TRC staff photo.

Days 1-3 The owl spent the first three days in TRC's oxygen and incubation chamber, where the high level of oxygen and warmth helped him heal. TRC staff and volunteers administered antibiotics and anti-inflammatories from early in the morning until late in the evening to fight his infection.

Day 4 The little owl started to bounce back by the fourth day. He began eating on his own and moving around in the enclosure.

Days 8-13 By day 8, he had recovered enough to be moved to a larger enclosure, allowing him more mobility and space for strength building.

Release By day 14, he was ready to go and made the journey back to Pocatello, ID. There, the students who rescued him were able to witness his return to the wild.

TRC Welcomes Dr. Heather Carleton to our Advisory Council This year, TRC enthusiastically welcomed Heather Carleton, D.V.M. as our advising veterinarian. Dr. Carleton has been a huge support to our growing caseload. Using innovative techniques and dedicating her time and expertise for consultations and hands-on procedures, she has helped us enhance our level of care for the birds. Dr. Carleton graduated from Colorado State University Veterinary School in 2001 and throughout her career has worked on everything from emus to bison, and now raptors. Dr. Carleton is on the Board of Directors for the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson, Wyoming and recently opened the Jackson Animal Hospital, which she co-owns. Dr. Carleton also started the Spay/Neuter Wyoming program to help low income families in Wyoming spay and neuter their pets. We are thrilled that she has joined our team of advisors. web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org • e: raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • p: 307.203.2551

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rehabilitation

A New Home for Northern Saw-whet Owls In May 2015, Teton Raptor Center assisted Wyoming Landscaping with the re-nesting of five nestling Northern Saw-whet Owls. During routine maintenance, a tree was removed, but unknown to the landscaping crew, there was an active owl nest in a cavity in the tree. When the landscaping crew realized that the owls were there, they quickly called Teton Raptor Center for help. TRC Ambassador Henry Cadwalader and Executive Director Amy McCarthy carefully transferred the young into a new kestrel nest box. Fortunately, both American Kestrels and Northern Saw-whet Owls use nest boxes with the same dimensions, and we sell them in our gift shop. The Wyoming Landscaping crew installed the nest box on a nearby tree where the owl parents could quickly find their young again. One of the owl parents watched the whole time. Several weeks later, the landscaping crew checked in on the owl family and saw the youngsters out on the limbs of the tree.

The fledged owlets were healthy and testing their new wings.

Thank you Wyoming Landscaping for your quick response and effort to help this little owl family!

PHOTOS

Left: Wyoming Landscaping crew install a nest box after a tree that unknowingly was home to an active Northern Saw-whet Owl nest was removed. The young, shown in the inset photo and below, adjusted to their new home. © Photos by Henry Cadwalader.

Imping Raptors need feathers to fly. Sometimes, we have to fix broken feathers through a process called imping. This involves making a bridge between a new “donor feather” and the shaft of the original feather so the new one can be attached. In late August 2014, TRC admitted three young Swainson’s Hawks with a very unusual problem: they were all missing their flight feathers. One of the hawks grew his feathers back just in time for migration. The other two, however, didn’t get their wings back in time and had to stay over the winter.

SWHA 8.29.14 was very active all winter and broke the tips off of several of his new feathers. When spring rolled around, we knew the best thing for him was to get him back into the wild where he could start hunting and preparing for the long fall migration to South America. In order to get him back to the wild, TRC staff had to give him new feathers through the process of imping. He flew away perfectly with several Red-tailed Hawk and Osprey feathers!

PHOTOS Top and bottom: SWHA 8.29.14 benefited from the imping process. Demonstration of imping. © Photos by Sue Ernisse.

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conservation Conservation Program, Research Takes Flight With the addition of Senior Avian Ecologist Bryan Bedrosian and field biologist Katherine Gura to our team this year, our conservation program has truly taken flight. We are expanding our efforts to keep wild raptor populations healthy by researching their needs and vulnerabilities and by helping our partners, including the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, create conservation efforts to sustain populations. Continuing studies spearheaded by Craighead Beringia South, we are now facilitating the largest ecological study on Great Gray Owls ever conducted in Jackson Hole.

A number of peer-reviewed articles by our staff will be published in 2016.

Upcoming Publications

D Occupancy, nest success and habitat use of Great Gray Owls in western Wyoming 2015 Teton Raptor Center Report

D Migratory pathways, timing,

and home ranges of Southern Greater Yellowstone Osprey Journal of Raptor Research

D Space use and habitat selection

by adult, migrant Golden Eagles wintering in the western United States Journal of Raptor Research

D Wing-loading in North American Golden Eagles Journal of Raptor Research

D Breeding Golden Eagles select

prey habitat and terrain ruggedness in south central Montana Journal of Raptor Research

PHOTOS Inset photo: Great Gray Owl. © Photo

by Steve Mattheis. Background photo: Great Gray Owl chick. TRC staff photo.

Opposite page: Greater Sage-Grouse fitted with a transmitter to gather critical location data. TRC staff photo.

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Great Gray u n r a v e l i n g

t h e

m y s t e r i e s

The Great Gray Owl, the tallest owl species in North America, remains one of the least-studied raptor species in the U.S., namely because of its relatively low numbers, difficult-to-access nesting habitat, and secretive behavior. As part of our newly-expanded conservation research programming, TRC is continuing a comprehensive study started by Craighead Beringia South to better understand Great Gray Owl nesting ecology, habitat, movement, and prey in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Between mid-February to April, the courtship period when Great Gray Owls do territorial calling, we surveyed for owls by skiing and snowshoeing throughout the forest at night to call and listen for owls. In 2015 we observed 263 individual owls calling, with Great Horned Owls, Great Gray Owls, and Boreal Owls being the most frequently encountered species. So far, we have pinpointed 40 different Great Gray Owl territories in Jackson Hole thanks in large part to our nighttime survey efforts.

This year we located 24 Great Gray Owl nests, which we monitored throughout the breeding season. Owls do not build their own nests and instead use existing structures or cavities. We located Great Gray Owls nesting mainly in old stick nests built by other raptors and ravens, broken-off snags, and mistletoe growths. One of this year’s nests was in an artificial nesting platform, built by local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. While monitoring nests, we observed 41 owlets successfully fledge, so it was a productive year for Great Gray Owls in our area.

However, one of the most striking overall results of our study is that Great Gray Owl nest productivity in western Wyoming has declined from previous estimates of 3.0 fledglings per nest (from a study in the 1980s) to 1.7 fledglings per nest. With your support we hope to continue to monitor Great Gray Owl nests in the years to come to understand why this decrease in productivity is occurring.

In 2016, we are excited to take our study in a new direction by trying out automatic sound recorders to monitor Great Gray Owls and other boreal forest species. We will install sound recorders in known owl territories and continue to do nighttime callback surveys to see if using these recorders is a more practical method for surveying forest owls. One of the great things about setting out these recorders in the woods is that we will be able to capture sounds from a diversity of species. Our recorders will also collect data on other owl species, diurnal raptors, songbirds, and even mammals that live in boreal forests alongside Great Gray Owls.

—Senior Avian Ecologist Bryan Bedrosian and Field Biologist Katherine Gura

o f

y Owls

conservation

Field Notes from Studying Greater Sage-Grouse It’s 3:00 a.m. in the rolling hills of sagebrush in the Upper Green River basin. The waxing moon has set, Orion has risen, and the temperature is a downright crisp 30 degrees.

Aside from the occasional bugling bull elk in the distance, all is quiet and peaceful. Until we crank up the Michael Jackson, that is!

We’ve been hiking around all night with car batteries, high-powered spotlights, and boom-boxes on top of our usual field gear, and we’ve just glimpsed a single, tiny green eye through our binoculars shining back against the glare of our light: a Greater Sage-Grouse hidden in the thick vegetation. Headlamps are switched off and one last prayer that we don’t step into a badger hole is uttered, then the person in front cues up the music, shines the light on the bird, and heads off at a stiff pace right towards it, while the one in back follows with a large dip net at the ready. Right before the spotlighter reaches the bird, she veers off and frenetically waves the light at it, and the netter rushes in to catch the grouse.

It may sound more like a circus than standard field protocol, but this is one of the typical ways to capture sage-grouse for scientific study. Sage-grouse camouflage so well that it’s extremely challenging to locate them during the day without flushing them. Instead, we spotlight at night for birds because we can reliably locate their eye-shine and they are less likely to fly away when they are roosting. The music and light distract and confuse the bird so that it does not realize people are approaching it.

At TRC, we are outfitting sage-grouse with GPS transmitters that will help us define lek and nesting sites, migration paths, and wintering areas within the Bridger-Teton National Forest so that the birds can be adequately managed. Although Greater Sage-Grouse were not listed as an Endangered Species this fall, their candidacy points to the fact that understanding this species’ population status is more important than ever. Sage-grouse are an intrinsic part of the “sagebrush sea” that rolls across much of Wyoming, and by maintaining healthy ecosystems for these birds, we also can sustain many other sagebrush species, including Golden Eagles and Ferruginous Hawks. This year we deployed 17 GPS transmitters on sage-grouse and look forward to more adventures in the field studying these unique birds.

—Senior Avian Ecologist Bryan Bedrosian and Field Biologist Katherine Gura

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

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conservation

maps

monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Understanding long-term trends of bird populations is vital for the conservation of all species. As songbird populations change, so do the survival of raptors that count on them for food. As a new addition to our conservation program in 2015, we teamed up with Teton Science Schools to continue one of the longest continuous data sets in Jackson Hole on songbird communities. This bird-banding program, named Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS), not only holds local relevance as a program dating back to 1989, but it also feeds into a larger coordinated effort of over 1,200 banding stations across North America, following a protocol to understand more about the demographics of passerines (songbirds) and newer passerines (woodpeckers, doves, and hummingbirds). Teton Raptor Center took the lead in 2015 to continue this important dataset with uninterrupted data collection on species richness, abundance, and productivity through mist-netting operations in Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. We were fortunate to recruit one of the best banders in the country, Kate Howard, as well as local birder Adam Carman, to our team to not only gather exceptional data, but also provide valuable teaching and insights to those fortunate enough to join the experience.

The stations consist of ten nets set up for six hours once every week from June through August. Mist-nets are fine mesh nets that capture the birds without any harm. Over the sixhour period, our banders check the nets frequently, remove birds that are caught and place lightweight aluminum bands with individual numbers stamped on them. This way, if the bird is recaptured, we can learn about when it hatched, where it came from, and how long it lives.

We also take a series of measurements on each bird before we release it, usually within 2-3 minutes. This year was very successful, with 930 total captures—including 198 recaptures (which provide us the most important data). We banded 54 species this season, with Yellow Warblers being our most frequently-captured species. One of our highlights of the season was banding a Chestnut-sided Warbler, a very uncommon species for this area. To learn more about the value of this research or to support next year’s MAPS program, please contact us.

PHOTOS Top: Kate Howard teaches a banding class at Teton Science Schools.

Middle: Local birder Adam Carman gathered MAPS data this summer. © Photos by Kathryn Schmidt. Bottom: A Western Tanager is released after being measured and banded. TRC staff photo.

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

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internships

internships: Launching Science & Education Careers TRC launches aspiring raptor enthusiasts into conservation science, education, and veterinary medicine careers. Carrie Ann Adams served as our Communications Intern during the first quarter of 2015 and followed up that experience in the role of Seasonal Program Assistant, where she continued to build content for our website and social media while also providing care to our raptor patients and residents throughout the busy summer season. We look forward to Carrie Ann’s return to our team in early 2016 to lead in the creation of a statewide raptor rehabilitation network in Wyoming. We are delighted to welcome Sarah Ramirez to our team this fall as our Raptor Rehabilitation Intern.

Former TRC Interns: where Are They now?

Ian Dolly TRC Internship Season: Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Natural Resource Specialist at the New Mexico State Land Office and soon-to-be biologist/crew leader with SWCA Environmental Consultants in Albuquerque, NM. “My time at Teton Raptor Center is an experience I will never forget. As an intern at TRC, I sharpened my public speaking skills, expanded my knowledge of North American raptor species, and gained experience supervising/training volunteers. Most importantly, I worked with some amazing people who pushed me to better myself as a person and a professional.”

Carrie Ann Adams

Sarah Ramirez

Megan Dunn TRC Internship Season: Summer 2011 Aviary Director at Brights Zoo in Banner Elk, NC and finishing a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Wildlife Rehabilitation in Spring of 2016.

“My experience at TRC helped me further my love for rehabilitating injured animals and giving them a second chance.”

Haylen Gregory TRC Internship Season: Summer/Fall 2012 Pursuing Masters in education and secondary science teaching license at the University of Colorado in Boulder to become a high school biology teacher.

“Working with volunteers and teaching visitors about birds of prey at TRC made me realize the important role educational outreach played and how much I enjoyed seeing a person's face light up when they have discovered something new. My own appreciation for birds of prey grew immensely during my time at TRC as I witnessed first-hand the challenges these animals face and the beautiful, perfectly adapted details of each individual bird.” kaitlynn ‘kit’ levine TRC Internship Season: Spring 2012 Fourth-year student at Tufts Veterinary School in Massachusetts.

“My time at TRC was some of the best months of my life, and I would love to return to the west (and even Jackson!) after graduation. Thank you, TRC for being an inspiration and the first steppingstone in an amazing journey.”

Zoe nelson TRC Internship Season: Fall 2013 Pursuing a Masters in Natural Science at the University of Wyoming, working on a project that incorporates citizen science, research, and education.

“My interest in this kind of work is highly influenced by my time at Teton Raptor Center, where I was involved in a three-part raptor ID course with Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, training citizen scientists on proper raptor identification skills.”

Ian Dolly

Haylen Gregory

Kaitlynn "Kit" Levine

Left: Zoe Nelson

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

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volunteers

TRC

Ambassadors support every part of our mission and operations. From feeding birds to selling raffle tickets and even cleaning toliets, our volunteers pitch in every day in every way. In the past year (Oct. 1, 2014 – Sept. 30, 2015) TRC Ambassadors contributed 5,322 hours to help birds of prey. At our 5th annual RaptorFest, 68 volunteers assisted in presenting our biggest and most successful event of the year. Teton Raptor Center recognized nine individuals for exceptional contributions to our mission at our annual Ambassador Appreciation Night in September.

TRC recognizes Ambassador-of-the-Year and Golden Owl Award recipients annually, and this year we expanded our awards to include even more heroes who help TRC soar.

Kevin Coughlan and Lisa Friesecke were honored as Ambassadors-of-the-Year.

Kevin is one of TRC’s longest-term volunteers, supporting TRC from the very beginning. Lending his creativity and impressive skills, this year alone, Kevin created a number of beautiful and functional items for TRC, including a set of lovely, lightweight carriers for the birds, allowing TRC to safely transport our resident raptors to off-site programs. He also created portable perches, which provide important enrichment

Gabriel Lewis was this year’s Junior Ambassador-of-the-Year. Twice each week throughout the summer, Gabe came out to the Center to support our on-site Raptor Encounters programs as a docent. At 13 years old, staff and visitors alike were highly impressed with his maturity, work ethic, and willingness to contribute a good portion of his summer vacation to the birds.

“Our volunteers give so much to Teton Raptor Center.

Not just in time and talent but also in heart.” —Meghan Warren opportunities for the birds. Kevin also served as a key team member among the crew that created River’s (our new resident American Bald Eagle) outdoor enclosure.

Lisa Friesecke started volunteering with TRC in the Fall of 2014. We didn’t know then just how lucky we were to have Lisa join our team. Since she started, Lisa has gone from supporting our daily rehab and education routine and volunteering for special events to running TRC’s office (full-time) and serving as a core member of our RaptorFest committee, spearheading the silent auction. We count on her for off-hour raptor rescues and intakes as well as filling orders for the Poo-Poo Project and managing the Gift Shop.

This summer was our busiest season ever and with Lisa on the team, we soared through it!

web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org

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The Golden Owl honor was awarded to Bob Haynam and Stine Richvoldsen. Bob Haynam is always there when we need him, donating keen skills with a good dose of humor on the side. The raptor barn is ever evolving to accommodate our growing resident raptor collection and the increase in patients. Bob's impressive carpentry skills and his willingness to help us with odds and ends make him an essential part of the TRC

volunteers team. Bob was a leader on the construction crew for River’s outdoor enclosure and for fixing and sprucing up our facilities throughout the summer. Stine Richvoldsen was also a recipient of the Golden Owl Award.

A long-time member of our ambassador team, this year Stine went above and beyond by lending her skills in computer programming to create a more effective, user-friendly database for tracking our birds’ care, education programs, volunteer hours and more. Stine is also a highly dependable helper in the rehab

barn and at special events. At RaptorFest, Stine took the lead on TRC’s social media to draw people to our biggest event of the year.

Bev Boynton was awarded the 2015 Conservation Hero Award for generously giving her time to support the research projects at TRC. Aaron Couch was awarded the Education Hero Award for his impressive effort to support TRC’s “Magical Mondays with Birds of Prey” programs at venues in Grand Teton National Park. Sue Ernisse was honored as the Raptor Rehab Hero for her role in taking care of the rehab raptors throughout the year. Jessie Stirling was presented with the Raptor Rescue Award for her tireless effort to rescue injured raptors in Star Valley and transport them to TRC for care. And Becca Bredehoft, who has been a consistent barn volunteer for several years, was honored with the Avian Artist Award for her incredible photos of the birds, programs, and people of Teton Raptor Center.

TRC Heroes make a huge difference; thanks to them, we can tell the story of the resident raptors, learn about the wild raptors native to our valley through research, and care for many patients so that they can have a second chance at life in the wild.

Teton Raptor Center is rich with support from our volunteers and we are in awe of the contributions, dedication, and love shown for the birds by our ambassadors.

If you are interested in joining Teton Raptor Center's team of all-star ambassadors, sign-up at:

tetonraptorcenter.org/support/volunteer PHOTOS Opposite page: Lisa Friesecke, shown with Mendel, and Kevin Coughlan, below, shared Ambassador-of-the-Year honors. This page, clockwise from top: Gabriel Lewis was named Junior Ambassador-of-the-Year. Bob Haynam and Stine Richvoldsen shared Golden Owl honors, Jessie Stirling, shown with Gus, was honored with the Raptor Rescue Award. Bev Boynton was named Conservation Hero. Others recognized include Aaron Couch, Sue Ernisse and Becca Bredehoft. All photos by TRC staff.

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

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support

Give, Join, Adopt, Shop!

give

Friends of TRC

How can your donation help the birds?

Educational Support D

$1000 Provides monthly stipend for an intern

D

$500 Feeds all Avian Ambassadors for 1 month

D

$250 Provides annual physicals for the Avian Ambassadors

D

$100 Buys specialized gloves for handling raptors

D

$50 Feeds Ruby the Red-tailed Hawk for 1 month

D

$35 Feeds Mendel the hybrid owl for 1 month

Conservation Support D

$1000 Buys an audio recording device for capturing owl sounds

D D

$500 Supports a nest camera

D

$100 Buys two owl nesting platforms

D

$50 Buys a tank of gas for field research

D

$35 Buys printer ink for producing reports

$250 Buys a GPS transmitter for field research

A Gift of any size ensures that our education, conservation and rehabilitation programs soar!

Donate Online, By Mail or By Telephone: Making a gift is as simple as writing a check payable to “Teton Raptor Center” or authorizing a charge from your credit or debit card via our website, using the enclosed envelope, or contacting us at 307.203.2551.

Matching Gifts: Many companies match gifts made by employees to nonprofit organizations. Increase the impact of your gift by asking your employer to match your contributions to Teton Raptor Center. Our Tax ID # is 83-0328068.

Gift of Securities: Gifts of stock, bonds, and mutual funds are a great way to support our work. Contact TRC for information on gifting securities.

Planned Gifts: Leave a legacy by including Teton Raptor Center in your will or trust.

Support us through 1% for the Planet: Teton Raptor Center is a proud partner of 1% and is eligible to receive donations from 1% member companies, placing us among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations.

Amazon Shop and Support: Now when you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to help the birds when you select Teton Raptor Center as the charitable organization.

join

The Talon Society

Show your commitment to birds of prey by joining the Talon Society. Your gift of $1,000 or 100 hours of volunteer time grants you entry into this prestigious group of supporters, which includes invitations to special events and a custom-made pin by renowned artist Annie Band.

adopt

Adopt-a-Raptor

your gift directly supports the care and conservation of raptors.

Rehabilitation Support D

$1000 Buys 2 iPads for Education and Bird Management System

D

$500 Supports a hematology machine

D D D

$250 Supports first aid supplies

D

$35 Buys a small kennel for raptor transport

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EAGlES

OwlS

HAwkS

FAlCOnS

OSPREy

Select one of the five groups of raptors you'd like to adopt, as shown on the remittance envelope included with this publication, and choose your level of support. We'll make sure your gift directly supports the raptors. The raptor representative of each group pictured above were all successfully treated at the Center and released into the wild.

$100 Buys lead-testing kits $50 Provides antibiotics for patients

Please contact Development Director David watson at 307.203.2551 if you have any questions on how to best support Teton Raptor Center.

PHOTOS: © Photos, above: Owl, Falcon and Osprey images, Rebecca Bredehoft; Eagle, Haylen Gregory; Hawk, Mike Voss. Sidebar: Northern Goshawk, Rebecca Bredehoft.

shop

support

Teton Raptor Center Store

Give a gift that makes a difference! All proceeds from our shop directly support our mission to help birds of prey. Some of our new and most popular items are listed below, and you will find a complete selection at TRC or by visiting tetonraptorcenter.org/support/shop.

TRC Hoodie! ................................................................................................................ $49

Y nEw

Ultra-soft recycled polyester and organic cotton combine for what is sure to be your favorite hoodie! Heather dusk blue with new Owly logo on the back, TRC logo on the chest, and 'See more birds' lining the hood. Sizes: XS- XL (unisex).

Journey with the Owls ........................................................................................... $2795 There are 19 species of owls in North America. In Journey with the Owls, authors and scientists David Evers and Kate Taylor provide insightful and engaging information about North American owls along with stunning photography of these mysterious and elusive birds. Additionally, owls can be seen and heard on the companion DVD included with this book. And, TRC’s Senior Avian Ecologist Bryan Bedrosian is one of the guest contributors. Hardcover, 144 pages.

Small water Bottle ...................................................................................................... $10 Reduce waste with this reusable 10 oz. stainless steel water bottle from Mizu. Just right for the little ones, with little owls too.

Screech Owl Puppet ................................................................................................... $16 While real owls can turn their heads about 270 degrees, this plush little Screech Owl puppet

by Folkmanis can go a full 360! Stands 6 inches tall.

*Wyoming state sales tax not included. TRC accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, cash and check. Contact TRC at 307.203.2551 for ordering information.

Sorensen Quilt Raises Thousands for TRC! At our 5th Annual RaptorFest, we unveiled a gorgeous contribution to Teton Raptor Center from textile artist Elli Sorensen. This hand-painted, one-of-a-kind silk quilt features nineteen raptor species soaring against the backdrop of the Tetons amongst other creatures of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It took two months to create. The revealing of the quilt launched a five-month long raffle for this unique piece of art. The lucky winner was announced at the November 5th premiere of Far Afield, A Conservation Love Story, a film created by JenTen Productions celebrating one of TRC’s Advisory Council members, Bert Raynes. We offer our sincere gratitude and enormous thanks to artist Elli Sorensen for sharing her talents in support of the birds.

"I've chosen to make my small mark on the world with art quilts by engaging with small nonprofit organizations who raise awareness and protect the wild places and their inhabitants who are our neighbors on this beautiful planet."

—Elli Sorensen 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 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. These contributions help birds of prey through education, conservation and rehabilitation. RaptorFest supporters are listed on page 23. The birds, staff and Board of Directors are grateful beyond measure for the goodwill and generosity extended to the Center this year. ** Armond Acri Carrie Ann Adams Sara Adamson Robert & Fraida Aland Robert Ablondi & Deborah Wuersch Joe Albright & Marcia Kunstel Arianna Alibabaie Charles & Brenda Allen Jim & Emily Ambler, Jr. George & Patricia Amlin Ankeny Architecture and Design, LLC Annie Band Jewelry/ Annie Band Anonymous Robert J. Anslow, Jr. & Marina Marrelli C.C. Anten Joan Anzelmo Fred & Helen Arbuckle Barbara Arnett Mark & Ryland Aronowitz Daniel Aronson Vicki L. Arundale Carol L. Atkins Duby & Sally Ausley Jackie Austin Axis Architects/Pierre Langue Doug & Nancy Ayers Babbletree Family Deidre Bainbridge Jane Baldwin Nina Baran David Barnett & Geneva Chong Barret Family Robert Bartberger & Linda Allen

Pilar Bass Frank Bassett Laurie Cirone Bay Bill Beckett Ed Beddow & Ann Frame Bryan & Emily Bedrosian Jim Begley Merton J. & Bonnie Bell, III Joe & Gainor Bennett Petie Bennett Adrienne Benson Cornelia Bergmann Mark Bergstrom & Elizabeth Alva Rosa Kent & Pegi Bernard Nancy J. Bhagat Black-Periman Foundation Rich Bloom & Becky Woods Bloom Dan Bloomberg & Irene Beardsley The Boathouse Foundation Bodega Joseph & Nancy Bohne Virgil & Laurie Boss Kristine Bossard Ian Boucher Frederick Bowditch, Angela Burton & Family Laura Bowers-Hadley Patti Boyd Sara Breckenridge Becca Bredehoft Sean Brennan & Alice Fischer-Colbrie Stephanie Brennan Bressler Insulation, Inc. Clayton & Marjean Brillhart James & Irene Brinkerhoff

David & Yuko Brookover & Mocha Clark & Susan Brooks The Brooks Foundation/ Tony & Linda Brooks Doug Brown & Lorie Cahn Paul Brown Joan R.Bruck Michael Bruck Bomber, Amy & Sydney Bryan David & Bari Bucholz Fred & Connie Buge Eric & Joyce Burbano Bonnie Burgess Charles V. Burke Shawn Burklin Jan Burnett Hal and Andrea Burroughs David & Diana Burrow Dennis & Marian Butcher Martin & Colleen Byrne C & N Foundation Henry Cadwalader Rose Caiazzo Franz Camenzind Leon & Abby Campbell, Jr. Tom & Meredith Campbell Heather Carleton, D.V.M. Len Carlman & Anne Ladd Robert Carmicheal Lycia Carmody Elaine & John Carney Fund Walter & Holly Carr Vance & Ann Carruth Stan & Laura Chamberlain Chapman Family Foundation/ Jinx Chapman Sandy Chapman Carol Chesney & Leila Sandlin Mark & Connie Chittum Yvon & Malinda Chouinard Steven Clark Patricia Clementi Joan Clements Tina Close James & Beth Clymer

Broughton & Didi Coburn Kevin & Ali Cohane Elizabeth Cohen Marc Cohen & Lyn MacEwen Cohen Andy & Linda Collier Becky Collier Danny Collins & Rona Ferguson Leslie Collins & Judith Brown Jorge Colon Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Shannon Condie Bill & Nancy Conger Valerie Conger Cony Corporation Holly Erin Copeland Eugenie Copp Alice Cornell George & Kim Cornelson Katherine Cottam Aaron Couch Kevin Coughlan Alyson Courtemanch Liz Cowie-Baker Bryn Crabtree Craighead Beringia South Charlie Craighead Crane Creek Graphics Crazy Horse Indian Jewelry Bobbie Dailey Barbara Dainotti Dan Shelley Jewelers Mitch Dann Darwiche Family David Agnello Photography Carl & Rebecca Davis Timothy T. Day Foundation Mary DeByl Eric & Anne Delahaye Cathryn Denman Meriwether Denman Doug G. DeVivo Mariam Diehl

Buz Dimond & Charlotte Oliver Gregg & Teresa Dinse Donald M. & Helen H. Kidder Family Foundation Rita Donley Addie Donnan David & Nancy Donovan Dave & Reade Dornan Richard & Tricia Dornan Lloyd & Michele Dorsey Tilly Dorsey Mark & Katherine Dowson Bolton & Maureen Drackett, Jr. John Drew & Susan Gibler-Drew Ronald & Julia Druker Mac Dukart & Stephanie Nemec Paul & Trey Dykeman & Pauline Towers Dykeman Brent & Sarita Eastman Ecotour Adventures Sarah Edwards-Schmidt & Milo Schmidt Steve D. Egan, Jr. Linda Ehart Ehrenkranz Family Foundation Ajh El-Effendi & Denise Uhles El-Effendi Beth Elicker Ellae Ellinwood Gary & Syd Elliott N. Robert Elson Denny Emory Cece English Episcopal School of Acadiana 5th Grade Class Christian & Jacqueline Erdman Chris Erickson & Lori Clark-Erickson Sue Ernisse Frank & Patty Ewing James & Paula Farlow Kay Farmer Dick & Jean Ferguson

Our Facebook fans submitted many Photos-of-the-Week; some are featured above and elsewhere on this page.

Top photos, l to R: Burrowing Owls, photo by Gerritt Vyn/Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Great Gray Owl, photo by Adam Brubaker; Red-tailed Hawk, photo by Steve Poole; Sharp-shinned Hawk, photo by Bruce Thompson; Snowy Owl, photo by Shannon Fiedler; Osprey, photo by Steve Poole. left: Baxter, photo by Rebecca Bredehoft.

Inset: Swainson's Hawk, photo by Steve Poole. All images copyrighted.

20

Thomas Filgo Fine Dining Restaurant Group Gary Finkel John & Dolly Fisher Ben Fishman & Nancy Felsten Lee Fitzpatrick Francine Fleming James & Astrid Flood Earl & Joyce Flowers Jayann Fordon Scott & Petria Fossel Jeanne Foussard Donald W. & Maryellen Frank Are & Lisa Friesecke Jack & Lynne Fritz John & Annie Furrer Howard B. & Ilene Garber Michael & Gwenn Garmon Tille Gavitt Mary Gerty Les & Maggie Gibson David Gilbertson Teri Gilfilen Jackie Gilmore Keith & Lisa Gingery Peter Ginsbury Katrina Gioshes Grant Giuliano David & Joan Goldfarb Clint Goldman Liz Goldsmith John & Edna Good John & Linda Graham Grand Design June Green Irene Greenberg Joseph & Phyllis Greene Tony & Joy Greene Paula Greenlee August Gregory Greg Gricus & Alexandra Dawson Tim Griffith & Margi Neale Griffith Katherine Gura Ralph & Louise Haberfeld Kenny & Mandy Hadden Roald, Audrey, Annabel, Tomi & Grant Hagen Maggie Hagen Maho Hakoshima & Margaret Gilday Zach Hall & Julie Ann Giacobassi Marti Halverson Mike & Francesca Hammer Ben Hammond & Lisa Johnson Paul Hansen & Kay Stratman Scott Hardeman/Teton Heritage Landscaping, Inc. David, Leslye, Cameron & Lachlan Hardie

Merlin Hare & Debra Patla John & Carol Harkness George & Suzanne Harris Jill Harris Ronald Harris Jovanna Hart Ann H. Harvey & Mike Campbell Rebecca Hawkins & Jayne Ottman William & Mary Hayes Bob Haynam Bruce Hayse Steve Heksel Michael & Jenny Herman James Hertogh Larry Hertz Chuck & Barbara Herz Susanne Hicks Hilary Clark Al & Jayne Hilde, Jr.

Aspen Jacquet Richard & Patty Jaquith Jennifer Jellen & Ryan Hennessy John and Patty Lummis and Family John Batenhorst & Patty Coursey Cari Sellers Johnson Jacob Johnson & Tamara Alliston Margaret Johnson Sara Jane Johnson Paul Johnston Jason, Pons & Emma Jones Kimber Jones Susan Juvelier Jake Kaauwai Michael & Ann Karpf Tristan Kelley & Whitney Burgess

Charles & Jane Kusek Terri Lacey Edward H. & Beedee Ladd Bob Laganza & Ann Myers Williams Coby Larsen Allen & Kathleen Lauer Christie Laughery Leadership at Play Judy Legg Brian Lenz Jake & Malin Leschly Elinor Lesieur Levinson Family Don & Dorothy Lewis Gabriel & Maia Lewis Greg Lewis David & Carmiya Lincoln & Family Bette Linderman Jack & Jodi Livingood

Scott Edwards McClelland Mike & June McCollister Matthew McDonald Emily McGinty Robert & Kimberly McGregor Bernard McHugh & Frances Clark Snake River Builders, Inc./ John & Pauline McIntosh Doug & Catherine McMahon Brett McPeak & Whitney Royster Lyle & Amy McReynolds David Mecartney & Kelly Cornell Mecartney Greg & Kathleen Meisner Dr. Morris & Irene Mellion Judith Mendelsohn Mack & Katie Mendenhall Mike & Linda Merigliano Carol Mersereau Donald Meyer Michael Meyer & Kathy Remus My wife and I attended an hour-long educational Scott & Elinor Miller session, but we wound up staying there for another Kevin A. Miller Judy Miller-Rogers hour just talking to the staff about the great work James & Yvone Minor they do. It was a surprising highlight of our trip!

Jed & Krista Mixter —Raptor Encounters Program Participant, July 2015 Amelin Mommsen Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center/Kari Gabriel Joe, Susan & Abigail Moore Susan M. Kelly Tom & Jane Hill Sam Lodge Wendy Morgan Barrett Kennedy & Steve & Jane Hipp David & Catherine Loevner Susan Morin Peggy Reily Norman Hirschfield Foundation/ Mary Lohuis Kelee Morris Amy Kenworthy Berte Hirschfield Kathleen Longenecker Casey & Amy Morton Marjorie Kerrigan & Tony & Lynda Hitschler Barbara Lovett Sandra Moser Ruth Gaukstern Richard & Karen Hobbins Deborah Lucas Mountain Dandy/MADE Charlotte Kidd Nancy Hoffman Joan Lucas Mountain Wind Power, LLC Bonnie Kinglsey John & Nancy Hoganson Frank & Jan Lynch The Mountaineer/ Fred & Susan Kingwill Henry Holdsworth Kathy Lynch Vinny McClelland Dylan Klein Jeremy Hopple & MACFUND William Mulligan & Jim Kleine, III & Barclay Dexter Clark & Andy MacKenzie Kim Kernan Kimberly Day David & Missy Hoster, II David MacKenzie David & Christine Murdoch, Jr. Shawn & Julie Klomparens Lee Hougen Doug & Catherine MacMahon Alexander & Joohee Bill Klyn Diane Hovas Paul & Bonnie Maddex Muromcew Cindy Knight Jack L. & Carrie Howe Pam Madere Agnieszka Murphy Suzanne Knighton Elizabeth Howell Mangelsen Images of Nature Mursell's Pottery and Knobloch Family Foundation Tom & Linda Howell Gallery Chocolates Christopher & Pippa Knowlton Thomas & Linda Markovits A.C. & Penney Hubbard Mark & Michele Nasatir Katherine Knox Foundation Hunter Marrow & Tracy Blue Stephen & Linda Nash Kraig A. Kobert Eric Huber John & Adrienne Mars National Museum of Stephen Koch & James & Margaret Hunt Linda Mars Wildlife Art Kathryn Nyrop I Love Jackson Hole, WY Lenny & Laura Martin Natural Images/ Kris Simpson, Katie & Facebook Friends Nancy Martino Irene Greenberg Jack Koehler Jack & Deborah Bedford Jane Matthews Shirley Needham Gary Kofinas Robert Jack Leslie Mattson & Bill Rigsby Lynda Nehr Tom & Jennifer Kohlhardt Jackson Temp Services/ Max's Lawn Care/Max Lange Andrew & Danna Nehrbas James & Jane Kohnke Rob Werner Forrest & Amy McCarthy Robin Neiswender Lisa Kroiz Dian Jackson Sandra McCarthy Nelson Engineering Matt Jackson & Laura Seymour Damon & Karen Kuehl Porgy McClelland Deena Nelson

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

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Tribute Gifts The following individuals & animals were acknowledged with tribute gifts this year.

Gifts In Memory liza Benson Mike Callahan Robert Clementi Jr. Peg Donaldson liza the dog & little Mac Tracy noss Scott Porter Atwood Earl Smith Cathy Smith wister & Fryxell

Gifts In Honor Becky Collier Jennifer Jellen Gabriel lewis Porgy McClelland Ellery Preheim katrina Ryan Milo Schmidt

Robert Silverman Benj Sinclair continued from page 21 Ujjwal Singh Donald Sleeman & Brenda Lefler Kent & Ann Nelson Peter & Coleen Regan Ann Smith Rick Nelson James B. Reilly Chip Smith Roman Nelson Fred & Margie Reimers Garnett A. Smith Family Sharon Nevling Frederick W. Reimers Foundation Rod & Anne Newcomb Rebecca Reimers & Gillian Smith Bill S. Nye Bart Monson Irene Smith Sherry Odenthal Richard & Deborah Reindl Randy & Dorie Smith Julianne O'Donoghue & Nancy Resor Greg Lemke Richard P. & Claire W. Morse Roger, Creel, Elsa Smith & Margaret Creel Scott & Kacy O'Hare Foundation Joshua Spear Patty O'Neil Stine Richvoldsen Margy Spencer George & Abby O'Neill Travis & Annie Riddell Will & Julie Obering Robert Righter & Sherry Smith Austin & Suzanne Spitzer Jim, Kim & Wilton Springer Clary Olmstead & Thomas & Juanita Ringer Kathi Squires Kathleen Heenan Riverwoods Pet Hospital Carter St. Clair Ed & Laura Opler Jim Roberts & Linda Savage Gilman & Marge Ordway John Roberts & Lynn Fleisher Will St. Clair Fred & Jeanie Staehr Carolyn Orr Grace Robertson Daniel Stanush Noah & Annette Osnos Steve & Lisa Robertson The Staryk Family Elva Osten Paul & Genelle Robishaw Bobby & Mimi Stein Janice Ouellette Ana's Grand Excursions/ Elizabeth Stepanian W. J. & Katharine Overlock, Jr. Ana Rode Martha Stewart Ashley Owen Ernie Rodriguez TomKat Charitable Trust Marvin & Sylvia Pack William & Carol Rogers Jessie Stirling David Palmer Elisabeth Rohrbach Rob & Martha Stockhausen George & Jenny Parchman Wendy Connor Rominger Biba & Jon Parker Foundation James Rooks & Ruth Moran & Peter Stoops & Kate Wilkinson K. O. Strohbehn Susan Patla Stella Rooks Steve & Anna Sullivan Kevin, Mary & Hailey Patno Monroe & Andrea Rosenthal Deborah Supowit PC Fund for Animals R. Douglas Ross Ronald & Joyce Surdam Charitable Trust Penelope Roth Karla Swiggum Ken & Susan Pedersen Lisa Rullman Thomas L. Swint Scott Pendergast Todd & Corinne Rumble James & Shirley Tamposi David Pennington H. S. & Kim Russell Nancy Taylor Cynda Peralta-Ramos Paul & Annie Ruttle Whitney Taylor Arturo & Brandon & Katrina Ryan Michael & Jennifer Tennican Eunjae Peralta-Ramos, III Andrew Sabin Family Allan & Frances Tessler Captain & Mrs. Henry Perkins Foundation Teton Art Gallery Persephone Bakery Cafe Andrew Salter & Teton Science Schools Hank Phibbs & Leslie Petersen Michele Gammer Lawrence Thal & George & Sarah Phocas Joe & Ellen Sanford Shannon Troxler Thal Susan Pieper-Bailey Mary Sater Beth Thebaud Pierson Land Works, LLC Helen & Harry Saul The Norcross Wildlife Scott & Lisa Pierson Foundation Inc./ Foundation Ray, Judy & Suzanne Pilgrim Julian & Anita Saul Ken & Bobbi Thomasma Gloria Polis David Saurman Wes & Shirley Timmerman Reynolds & Dickson Schaefer Randy & Kathleen Titsworth Bettie Pomeroy, III Diane Schafer Bob & Anne Touhey Steve & Carol Poole Dr. George Schaller & Stan & Barbara Trachtenberg John Potmesil Kay Schaller Carol Travis Clay Preheim & Jerry & Carrie Scheid Tremblay Family Foundation/ Stephanie Thomas Brian & Maggie Schilling Gene & Susan Tremblay Trish Preheim Harvey & Mary Schmidt Tom & Beth Troshynski Lisa Lord Price & Toby Schoffstall Francine Tryka Paul Clementi Scully Family Chris Tubby & Stevie & Wyatt Priceless Michael & Sherrie Sells Deborah Wilson Foundation Shanafelt Family John & Mary Kay Turner Luther Propst & Nancy Shea Anya Tyson Elizabeth Storer Florence Shepard Unfried Foudation/ David & Patsy Raaum Don & Dragon Sherman Amy & Steve Unfried Bert Raynes David Shlim & Jane Gallie Randy & Amy Urick Al & Susan Read Barry & Priscilla Sibson Mike & Carolyn Vale Candi Reed Evan Siegel

Supporters

Jeff Van Ee & Nancy Eaton Herbie Vazquez Donna Viljak Stephen Vivian Paul Vogelheim Dylan Wade Randy & Kristie Wade Lynne Wagner & John LaBrec Michael & Tana Wall Thomas B. Walper Justin Walters Matthew Wan Jeff & Kelli Ward John & Connie Ward William & Deborah Ward Kathy Warner Willy & Abigail Warner Meghan Warren John Wasson & Jocelyn Slack Wasson Bill & Teresa Waterman Andy & Cammie Watson David & Rhonda Watson David & Eva Watson Wattle & Daub Contractors Michael Wehrle Linda Weil The Mary K. Weiss Foundation William E. Weiss Foundation Gary & Mary Jo Weissman Melanie Wenig Patrice Werner Rich Whalen Amanda White Eric A. White Raymond White & Bev Boynton John & Suzanne Whitmore Whit & Beth Whitworth Laurel Wicks Erich & Chris Wilbrecht John & Nancy Wilbrecht Karen M. Wilbrecht Wild by Nature/ Henry Holdsworth Christine A. Williams Kirby & Stephanie Williams Leanne Williams Kurt & Chris Wimberg David Wipper & Debbie Reis Steve & June Wolfson Wolverton Family Meghan Wood Wood Family Foundation/ Mr. & Mrs. William C. Egan Loring Woodman & Melody Lin Charles Woodward David & Susan Work Christopher Wright John Wright & Dana Olson Jason Wright Kelvin Wu Mike Yakich Greg, Dimmie & Wil Zeigler Charlotte Zueck

**Donors and volunteers who contributed time, talent, financial resources, and in-kind services and gifts between October 1, 2014 and

22

September 30, 2015 are recognized in this list. Teton Raptor Center regrets inadvertent omissions or misspellings. Please call the office at 307.203.2551 so we can correct our database. Photos: Top: Osprey, photo by Sue Ernisse. Bottom: Burrowing owl, photo by Steve Franklin. All images copyrighted.

THAnk yOU to

Supporters!

Our Terrific

GOLD SPONSORS

4JH--Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board • Graham Faupel & Associates (Bob Graham, Karen Terra, and Matt & Julie Faupel) • Lynn & Foster Friess • Sands Whitewater • Westside Wine & Spirits

EVENT SPONSORS

A.J. DeRosa's Vintage Adventures • Amangani • Annie Band Jewelry Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips • David Bowers Photography • Denny Emory Dubbe Moulder Architects • Fish Creek Veterinary Clinic • Florence McCall Photography Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures • Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Jackson Hole Shooting Experience • Jackson Hole White Water • JenTen Productions JH Paragliding • Mountainscapes, Inc. • PayneWest Insurance • Pearl Street Bagels Premier Powder Coating • Reel Deal Anglers • Ripley's Vacuum Center • Ruttle Wild • Sudachi Teton Aviation Center • Teton Gravity Research • Teton Sports Club • Vom Fass • Wild Hands Wyoming Balloon • Zach Freidhof

EVENT PATRONS

Annie's Gardens • Aspens Market • Axis Gymnastics • BabyBump • Bert Raynes • Big O Tires Blue Spruce Cleaners • Blythe Designs • Bubba's BBQ • The Bunnery • Calico Italian Restaurant Carole-Malia Schneider • Chasing Tails, LLC • Chippy’s Kitchen • Crane Creek Graphics Dragon Lady Teas • Fine Dining Restaurant Group • Four Seasons Resort and Residences Grace Spa • Grand Targhee Resort • Grand Teton Lodge Company • Grand Teton Music Festival Great Northern Coffee Company • Gun Barrel Steak House • Home Again Hungry Jack's General Store • Hunter Marrow and Tracy Blue • Jackson Hole Cinemas Jackson Hole Mountain Resort • Jackson Hole Winery • Lewis & Clark Expeditions • Lotus Café Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery • Massage Professionals of Jackson Hole National Museum of Wildlife Art • Natural Images • Patagonia • Pets Place Plus The Pilates Place • Rendezvous River Sports • Revolution Indoor Cycling • Sarah Tams Jewelry Scandia Home • Serenity Salon • Skinny Skis • Snake River Brewing Spring Creek Animal Hospital • Stagecoach Liquor Store • Steve Poole • Stio Streetfood at the Stagecoach • Suburban Urology Network • Teton Dermatology • Trilipiderm Twigs • Westbank Anglers • Westbank Garden Center • White Willow Publishing Wildlife Expeditions • Wilson Hardware • Wilson Backcountry Sports • Wyoming PBS Yippy I-O Candy Co.

5 Years of Feathered Fun! This year we welcomed more guests and raised more funds for the birds than ever before. At our inaugural Raptorfest in 2011, we hosted 900 guests and netted a profit of $9,461. In 2015, 1,104 guests enjoyed the event and $22,401 was netted for the birds.

Whoot, whoot!

PHOTOS Top: Face painting is always a popular activity in the kids’ tent. Bottom: The ‘Lemon-Aid for the Birds’ gals sold $220 worth of lemonade and popcorn to benefit the birds. Photos courtesy of Sandra McCarthy.

A very special thanks to our

EVENT PARTNERS

Bo-B-Q • Canvas Unlimited • Elevated Grounds • Friends of Pathways • High Country Linen Hughes Production • Jackson Hole Curbside Recycling • Jackson Hole Flower Company Jackson Hole Pop • Lange’s Lawn Care • The Lemon-Aid Gals • The Liquor Store and Wine Loft Mizu • Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream • Persephone Bakery • Pinky G’s Pizzeria Snake River Brewing • START Bus And to our

RAPTORFEST COmmiTTEE

Ben Weisbeck • Henry Cadwalader • Kathy Cottam • Mary Lohuis Sarah Drake • Lisa Friesecke • Sue Ernisse And a round of applause to

EVENT ENTERTAiNERS

Alan Willes • Brian Lenz • Hank Phibbs • Hunter Marrow and Tracy Blue John Carney • Laurie Boss • The WyKnotts • Zach Freidhof

Save the date!

raptorfest Sunday, June 19th

2016 23

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

Give-Adopt-Join by December 3lst and you will double the impact of your contribution to help birds of prey through our 4th Annual

Flight Challenge

A personal challenge, issued by generous supporters of the birds, ensures that all gifts will be matched in full, up to a total of

30,000

$

Help us meet the match by using the enclosed donation envelope, or by giving on-line at www.tetonraptorcenter.org/support/donate You’re invited to

Aviarium

Opening Reception and Holiday Celebration December 22, 2015 Diehl Gallery, Jackson, Wyoming. Exhibit runs from 12.17.2015 – 1.31.2016.

A showcase of birds in contemporary art, featuring 18 gallery artists from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. 5% of sales benefits the birds!

Great Gray Owl. © Photo by Ralph Haberfeld

TRC is an RRR business leader.

Flight Log is printed on PEFC-certified paper, using vegetable-based ink. Publication designed by Rebecca Woods Bloom. Kindly recycle this newsletter with office pack or pass it along and share the news from Teton Raptor Center. We also invite you to view our e-news by visiting www.tetonraptorcenter.org.