2017 Flight Log

Where conservation takes flight!

Winter 2017/2018 Volume 9

annual newsletter of teton raptor center • jackson hole, wyoming

Our Mission To advance raptor conservation through education, research, and rehabilitation.

“The center goes from strength to strength as the years have gone by.

Teton Raptor Center has gone from a single person's love of these large birds to a full scale education, research, and rehabilitation center with a huge following. The dedicated volunteers and staff have created something very special and the program informed many of us who thought we knew something about our flying neighbors. This is an excellent program for all ages.”

—Leslye Hardie, Wilson, WY

Waiting.

American Kestrel painting by Jackson Hole artist Nicole Gaitan. Learn more about Nicole’s partnership with Teton Raptor Center on page 21. And, win an original piece of her raptor artwork, see back cover for details.

Board of Directors Roger Smith, Chair Andy Salter, Vice-Chair David Hoster, Secretary Rich Bloom, Treasurer Chansoo Joung Katrina Ryan Porgy McClelland, Emeritus Steve Poole Wendy Dodson

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

TRC Staff Allison Swan, Research Associate Amy Brennan McCarthy, Executive Dir. Becky Collier, Education Director Bryan Bedrosian, Research Director David Watson, Development Director Jamie Reilly, Operations Director Jessie Walters, Raptor Care & Volunteer Coordinator Katherine Gura, Research Associate Lisa Friesecke, Program & Dev. Associate Meghan Warren, Rehabilitation Director Nathan Hough, Research Associate 2017 Seasonal Staff and Interns Adrian Rouse, Caelan Coyler, Caitlin Davis, Carrie Ann Adams, Emily Smith, Nick Ciaravella, Sam Diaz, Sarah Ramirez, Taylor Eshmont

Mailing/Physical Address Teton Raptor Center P.O. Box 1805, Wilson, WY 83014 5450 W. Hwy. 22, Wilson, WY 83014

Contact us 307.203.2551 raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org www.tetonraptorcenter.org

Find Us on:

Executive Director Amy Brennan McCarthy and TRC Board Chair Roger Smith. © Jeffrey Kaphan.

Letter from the Executive Director and Board Chair “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” –Peter Drucker Greetings from Teton Raptor Center!

Through the tremendous support of our community, near and far, Teton Raptor Center realized a critical milestone in 2017. Last April, we purchased the Hardeman Barns property, which we have leased since 2008. We are honored to be the new owners and stewards of an iconic piece of Jackson Hole’s historic fabric. With our permanent home secured, we are embarking on an exciting path to create a nexus for raptor conservation on a local and national scale, ensuring a vibrant future for this iconic property and the important work that will emanate from this place.

We are deeply grateful to have this opportunity to weave together the natural history of raptors and the cultural heritage of Jackson Hole. With a clear vision forward, blending historic restoration with energy-efficient new construction, our new home will allow worldwide visitors to learn about local raptors and global conservation.

While having a place to conduct our work is essential, the people who carry out our mission day-to-day are the key to our success, now and in the future. Teton Raptor Center is honored to have a dedicated team of board, staff, and volunteers committed to leadership, excellence, compassion, and innovation. This level of energy and expertise, backed by our generous donors, has allowed TRC this year to provide over 400 education programs; successfully fund and conduct 11 long-term raptor research programs in cooperation with state and federal agencies and several universities; and improve our ability to care for injured raptors through acquisition of state-of-the–art medical and diagnostic equipment.

Given that we live in one of the last relatively intact natural ecosystems in the lower 48 states, we invite you to be part of this rare opportunity to create a truly world-class raptor conservation center. With your support and involvement, all of us have a unique opportunity to shape and influence how raptor conservation will flourish into the future.

In the words of poet Gary Snyder, “Nature is not a place to visit. It is a home.” Please join us as we continue to care for the places that raptors call home, here at the Hardeman Barns and throughout the natural world. Together, we can create a future that keeps wild birds wild.

With enormous gratitude,

Injured Raptor Hotline

307.200.6019

Amy Brennan McCarthy Executive Director

Roger N. Smith Founder and Board Chair

Our Invested Volunteers

Adding Value and More Throughout this issue of Flight Log, you will find a number of spotlights on our volunteers. These individuals collectively dedicate thousands of hours in service to birds of prey, sharing not only their time, but also a great diversity of talents—including photography, weed mitigation, sewing, listening skills, raptor food prep, and more.

TRC Ambassadors support all aspects of our mission to advance raptor conservation. Whether they are regular volunteers or only here for a single day of special projects, we know we could not do the work that we do without our Ambassador team.

All summer long, the Education Ambassador team wowed the public with live raptor programs both on-and off-site. Our raptor patients received daily care from the Rehabilitation Ambassador team, and the research crew simply would not be able to conduct the depth and diversity of field research projects without the hard work of the Research Ambassadors. Volunteers also support TRC by transporting injured birds through the Raptor Rescue Network. This service is critical to expediting care for birds across the state of Wyoming and through central and Eastern Idaho.

TRC Ambassadors contributed 7,076 hours (equivalent to $166,701.92) in FY 16-17 to support TRC’s operations and programs.

Over 125 Ambassadors support TRC in all areas. And, last year (FY 16-17), sixteen Ambassadors entered the Talon Society for giving 100 or more hours of service.

Steve Poole, a long-time friend, neighbor, and TRC Ambassador gifted 478 hours in support of raptor conservation. Steve regularly monitors owl nests and checks sound recorders. He also brings his professional emergency medical experience into our clinic to help care for patients. He participates in property stewardship year-round, helping to clear snow, manage weeds, and repair fences. Steve has been Steve Poole with Great Gray Owl. a vibrant member of TRC’s Board of Directors © Moosejaw Bravo Photography. since 2016. He is not alone in his dedication to TRC. His wife, Carol, volunteers weekly to support our Poo-Poo Project, and his daughter, Emily, has contributed art since she was in high school.

Emily’s work is showcased on our notecards and in our book, Beak To Feet.

Invest in Raptor Conservation A gift of any size ensures that our education, research, and rehabilitation programs continue to soar.

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

D Recurring Gifts: Become a sustaining member by providing a monthly, quarterly, or yearly donation through our website.

D Matching Gifts: Many companies match employee gifts to nonprofit organizations.

Increase the impact of your gift by asking your employer to match your contributions to TRC. D 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.

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

D Facebook: Comment “#donate $___” on our Facebook page and you’ll quickly benefit birds of prey through GoodWorld.

D 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.

D 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.

Teton Raptor Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Donations are tax-deductible. Our Tax ID # is 83-0328068.

We invite you to join the Talon Society!

With Gratitude & Appreciation

Show your commitment to birds of prey by joining the Talon Society. Your annual gift of $1,000 or more, or 100 hours of volunteer service within a calendar year, grants you entry into this treasured community of TRC supporters. We’ll celebrate your investment in raptor conservation with invitations to special events and a custom-made pin by Wilson, Wyoming artist Annie Band.

TRC’s board and staff extend a heartfelt thank you to Patti Boyd and Christopher Knowlton, who each completed two full terms of service on TRC’s Board of Directors in 2017. We celebrate their six years of dedication, wisdom, and leadership. Thank you, Patti and Chris!

Story of the Year

A Permanent Home Horse Barn and North Barn at the Moseley/Hardeman Ranch. © Wayne Reckard.

IN

the early 1940s, Major CC Moseley built what are now called the Hardeman Barns. For over seventy years, the gracefully arching structure of the wind-proof gothic North Barn has been a centerpiece of Wilson, Wyoming. When Gerrit Hardeman bought Moseley’s ranch in 1956 and moved his herd of prizewinning Herefords from Kelly, the property flourished under his hardworking stewardship. As property values rose in the late 1980s, the pastoral 137acre property south of Wyoming Highway 22 became threatened by development. The price of beef could not keep pace with the value of real estate, and by 1989 the land along with the iconic buildings were slated for a large subdivision. Fortunately, a young Jackson Hole Land Trust courageously undertook the purchase and protection of this ranch and landscape, permanently preventing any development of that scale.

The 137 acres were broken into three parcels. Two parcels were sold to conservation buyers, allowing home sites in constrained building envelopes. And, the Hardeman Barns parcel retained use for education, charitable, and institutional purposes, along with physical development rights in a small build-

ing envelope in the northwest corner of the property. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, this parcel was utilized by a variety of nonprofits, including the Snake River Institute, 4H Club, and Jackson Hole Land Trust.

Since 2008, Teton Raptor Center has leased two buildings at

“The ultimate vision was to utilize the iconic space as a hub for nonprofit organizations that give back to the local community through education and research. The Teton Raptor Center fulfills that vision completely, and is beloved by the Jackson community.”

—Jackson Hole Land Trust President Laurie Andrews

the historic Hardeman Barns, also known as the Moseley/Hardeman Ranch, in Wilson, Wyoming. We’ve rented the small “horse barn” that was renovated as office space by an earlier tenant, the Snake River Institute. This space serves as our office and the loft above provides housing for our internship program. The ranch’s “machine shed” was renovated and converted to serve as our clinic and bird chambers in 2008. From these two structures, we

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

embarked on our journey to keep wild birds wild through education, research, and rehabilitation. A growing number of patients demanded that we create more raptor housing, leading to the construction of a new 1,000-square foot structure in 2014 to provide space exclusively for birds receiving rehabilitative care and treatment. In 2015, Teton Raptor Center expanded our mission to more fully encompass raptor research— leading innovative long-term studies on birds of prey. With no additional office space available on the ranch, Teton Raptor Center began leasing a small office space in the Town of Jackson, as the hub of operations for our research team. It was clear that the need for a permanent place to call home, for our entire team of staff, volunteers, and birds had reached a critical point.

Fortunately, on April 14, 2017, Teton Raptor Center purchased the 26.82-acre property from the Jackson Hole Land Trust.

Teton Raptor Center now has a permanent home for raptor conservation. The property is protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement that sustains the open space and allows for restoration and improvements within a 2.85acre building envelope encompassing the original ranch compound.

The 27-acre historic Hardeman Barns property in the heart of Wilson, Wyoming offers a treasured space to build on our successful work in conservation. TRC at the Hardeman Barns will be a place of vibrant learning about conservation ethics and the natural world, coupled with the fabric and stories of a rich ranching history— making a meaningful contribution to our local and global communities.

We look forward to sharing more detailed plans with you in the year ahead. If you are interested in learning more about Teton Raptor Center’s capital project, including historic restoration and site improvements, please contact Executive Director Amy McCarthy.

TRC Board Member Steve Poole examines the molt pattern in the wing of a Great Gray Owl to help determine its age. © Moosejaw Bravo Photography

Our Goal

With this special property secured for the future, we are embarking on a thoughtful and ambitious endeavor to serve our valley’s beloved wildlife and be a leader, innovator, and influencer in raptor conservation throughout the country. We aim to create a modest, yet engaging world-class facility to showcase the natural history of our region that will:

D Centralize Dispersed Staff Resources

Increasing efficiency and collaboration by integrating staff and operations in a single location.

D Enhance Educational Experiences Creating dedicated space for on-site educational programs to support diverse, year-round learning. And, providing improved and expanded housing for TRC’s avian ambassadors—key members of our educational team that offer the unique opportunity to encounter live birds of prey at arm’s length.

D Improve Rehabilitation Outcomes

Creating an on-site flight chamber will improve outcomes for our patients by allowing birds to rehabilitate more quickly with less human intervention and return to the wild more quickly.

D Invigorate Research Integrating the research team onto one campus will decrease costs and increase collaboration, in an effort to tackle national issues like lead mitigation and other widespread raptor hazards. Additionally, workshop space will allow for more efficient engineering of tools and technologies for improved field research.

D The Hardeman Barns were entered on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of Interior on June 1, 2015.

D A Treasure Hidden In Plain Sight: The Moseley/Hardeman Barn is a film about the property’s history that premiered in 2014.

Year in Review By the Numbers

TRC Operations & Programs

People

Finance Teton Raptor Center generated $885,577 in revenue for fiscal year 2016-17 and incurred expenses of $815,661. In 2016, TRC adopted a new fiscal calendar, June 1st - May 31st.

Prior to 2016, the fiscal year was the calendar year. TRC’s 2017-18 budget is $982,289. We invite you to review our Form 990, available on our website.

FY 2016-2017

6 10 10 7,076 6,819 6,569

Full-time staff, 10 parttime or seasonal staff

Expenses by Class

Income by Source

Advisory Council members Board of Directors members Volunteer hours contributed Facebook friends

Program/ Service Revenue 30%

Instagram followers Constituents from 50 States and 12 Countries

Fund-raising 5%

Sales & Interest 2%

Administration 9%

Government Grants 2%

Program 86%

Donations & Grants 66%

Education

43

Species of birds banded as part of the MAPS Project

10

GPS transmitters deployed on Greater Sage-grouse, Golden Eagles, and Rough-legged Hawks.

Rehabilitation 144 23 2,868

Raptors Admitted for Care Species of raptors treated Patient Care Days

Accolades of the Old Bill’s Early Bird 2017 Winner Participation Challenge

2016 of Mountain Khakis® 2015 Winner Giveback Giveaway

Winner of the Old Bill’s Early Bird Participation Challenge & Old Bills Most Online Gifts for 8/31

of Wings Across the Americas 2014 Winner Award for the Poo-Poo Project Peregrine Falcon. © Neelsky

441

360

402

353

387

Number of programs

FY 2016-2017

Bird captures for the MAPS Project

2015

577

2014

Poo-Poo screens distributed in 32 states

2013

2,348

2012

Research & Conservation

The demand for our live raptor education programs continues to grow. In FY 2016 -17 we delivered the most programs in our history, 441 programs for 28,449 participants.

355

Program participants

Participation

2011

Education Programs delivered

246

28,449

Resident Raptors

2010

10 441

Rehabilitation Overview TRC’s Rehab program continues to grow in every way. We admit more birds each year (144 FY 16-17 vs. 130 in the same period 2015-16) and we see a wide variety of species (23!) and causes for admission. Our survival rate, the number of birds released, transferred, or pending after the first 24 hours, was 57%. We returned 37 raptors to the wild during this period and provided 2,868 care days to the rehab patients. The majority of raptor injuries are caused by car strikes, but other leading causes include window strikes, orphans and displaced young, entanglement in filaments, electrification, and illegally shot birds. Through generous donations and grants, TRC added some impressive equipment to our clinic in the last year, including anesthesia, cold laser therapy, advanced orthopedic tools, blood chemistry analyzers, and incubators.

With this new technology, we added new protocols to improve care for the birds.

A Great Horned Owl chick receives care in TRC's clinic. © TRC staff photo.

Admissions by raptor group and species between June 1, 2016 - May 31, 2017 (144 birds)

By Raptor Groups

58 Hawk ......................... 50 Falcon ........................... 18 Eagle ........................... 12 Osprey ............................ 5 Owl ...........................

Bald Eagle. © Shay Blechynden

By Species American Kestrel ......................................14 Bald Eagle .......................................................9 Barn Owl .........................................................7 Boreal Owl .....................................................1 Cooper's Hawk .............................................4 Golden Eagle .................................................3 Great Gray Owl ............................................4 Great Horned Owl ...................................39 Long-eared Owl............................................3 Merlin ...............................................................1 Northern Goshawk .....................................3 Northern Harrier .........................................3 Northern Pygmy Owl .................................1 Northern Saw-whet Owl ..........................1 Osprey .............................................................5 Peregrine Falcon..........................................1 Prairie Falcon ................................................2 Red-tailed Hawk .......................................17 Rough-legged Hawk ...................................3 Sharp-shinned Hawk ..................................2 Short-eared Owl ..........................................2 Swainson's Hawk ......................................18 Turkey Vulture ..............................................1

Great Gray Owl. © TRC staff photo.

Rehabilitation Statistics Total Admissions ........................................144 Busiest Month: August 2016 ................. 32 Total Released ............................................... 37 State Split Wyoming .................................46% (66) Idaho ............................................54% (78) Most Common Location Teton County, WY ...........................22% Total Unique Species .................................. 23 Most Common Species Great Horned Owl ................27% (39) Survival Rates * ..........................................57% (includes pending, released, and transferred birds)

Final Resolutions* Died 6%

Pending 1%

Transferred 9%

Euthanized 37%

Released 47%

* For birds surviving more than 24 hours tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Education

Education team and training expand Teton Raptor Center’s education team of avian ambassadors is a combination of birds from around the country with a variety of stories to tell. Our mission in education is to build understanding, awareness, and action in raptor conservation and to provide our avian ambassadors purpose and dignity in their captive setting through a life of teaching and enrichment. This summer, TRC acquired three birds from the Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) in Pelham, Alabama that had been patients and required placement.

Welcome to the team, Hardeman, Hemlock, and Otus! And, thank you for your dedication to injured birds in the South, AWC!

Hardeman the Red-tailed Hawk Hardeman has an all too familiar story: he is the victim of a car strike. Like Ruby, our other resident Red-tailed Hawk, this bird has almost no vision in one eye and limited vision in the other. He is a young, light-phase male, so he contrasts with Ruby to illustrate many cool differences between color phases, young/old, and gender of Red-tailed Hawks.

Hemlock the Barred Owl Hemlock spent too much time with well-intended humans from a young age and imprinted. He is too dependent and unafraid of humans for a successful return to the wild. The Barred Owl is a forest owl and is a cousin to the Great Gray Owl. Barred Owls eat a wide variety of food, including crayfish in such numbers that their feathers may even turn pink!

Otus the Eastern Screech Owl This new little gray guy resides with our red-phase resident, Rayne, and the two have already stolen the hearts of many with their small stature and important lesson to share: Be careful when driving at night! Both of these birds are victims of head trauma, likely car strikes, and both have limited vision as a result.

Learn more about our amazing Avian Ambassadors on page 20!

PHOTOS Above, top to bottom: Hardeman the Red-tailed Hawk; Hemlock the Barred Owl. Background photo: Little gray Otus (left) the Eastern Screech Owl hanging out with Rayne, our resident red-phase Eastern Screech Owl. All copyrighted photos by Rebecca Bredehoft.

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Raptor Encounters Enjoy an hour-long, up-close learning experience with live birds of prey.

October – May: Last Saturday of the month at noon and 2 p.m.

(Reservations Required) June – September: Wednesday through Saturday at 2 p.m.

(Reservations Recommended) Private Raptor Encounters are available by appointment throughout the year.

Feathered Fridays Fridays, December 22nd - March 30th at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. FREE. TRC Education Ambassadors Kathy Smith, left, and Sammy Douville, right, holding Owly. © TRC staff photos.

Visit our website and Facebook page for the latest events and programs.

Above and Beyond: TRC Education Ambassadors Teton Raptor Center would not survive without our incredible and dedicated ambassadors. In addition to their help in our clinic and on-site programs, ambassadors Kathy Smith and Sammy Douville committed every Tuesday to TRC this summer. They joined our staff for trips to lodges in Grand Teton National Park as well as the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center for Talon Tuesdays.

They provided guests with entertaining and educational information about our work and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Additionally, Sammy is proficient in American Sign Language and created a wonderful educational video signing the story of Manzana, the deaf Barn Owl. Thank you so much for your energy, your dedication to TRC, and your passion for the birds, Kathy and Sammy!

Wheelin' Around in Style!

Eighty-two percent of our program engagements happen off-site. Having a dependable vehicle for outreach makes a Our image-wrapped van. © TRC staff. photo huge difference. Teton Raptor Center was fortunate to acquire a new vehicle in 2016 for education programs. Our gentlyused, completely wrapped Ford Transit was made possible by a gift from generous donors. The team at Sign it Now, Inc., in Victor, Idaho, designed and wrapped the van and now we are hard to miss! We are so grateful for this “rolling billboard” to help visitors to the area know where to find us and for our avian ambassadors to have such a safe ride when traveling. tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

www.tetonraptorcenter.org

Education Wish List How your donation can help the birds!

5,000 BIG WISH: Fund the second

$

edition of our Beak to Feet book. It's time for updated statistics, new ambassadors, and more opportunities to learn about raptors.

$

$

$

$

500

New program gloves for the education ambassador team of raptors

300 250

Transport kennels for our new Avian Ambassadors

100 50

Sponsor a TRC classroom program for K-12 youth

$

West Nile Vaccine for the Avian Ambassador Team (2018)

Art supplies for "take away" activities

Research

Working to Get the Lead Out Raptors poisoned by ingesting shot prairie dogs

X-ray showing residual lead-shot fragments in a prairie dog from Thunder Basin National Grassland. © TRC staff photo.

The evidence is clear that eagles and other raptors are at risk of lead poisoning from feeding on gut piles from hunter-harvested big game. While our team has been dedicated to helping with outreach and the shift to non-lead ammunition for hunting, there is a similar threat that needs assessment: varmint shooting. Each year, tens of thousands of ground squirrels and prairie dogs are shot across the West. Most of these shot animals are left behind and raptors like Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks all take advantage of this easy food source. However, the degree to which small caliber ammunition may fragment and the lead poisoning risk to the raptors that are scavenging these shot animals is unclear.

This year, we teamed up with Tim Byer at Thunder Basin National Grassland, Dr. Myra Finkelstein at UC-Davis, Kim Dickerson at USFWS, Andrea Orabona at Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Holly Copeland at The Nature Conservancy to start investigating this issue in northeastern Wyoming. Thunder Basin National Grassland has record numbers of prairie dogs, Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, and shooters. This year, we collected blood and feather samples from 12 eagles and hawk nestlings in proximity to large prairie dog colonies. Dr. Finkelstein’s initial lab results indicate that the lead found in blood and feathers of exposed eagles and hawks matches the isotope makeup for ammunition extracted from shot prairie dogs. We set up automated recording systems at each of the sampled nests to quantify the number of shots near the nest to correlate with weekly lead ingestion rates measured in the growing feathers. We plan to continue this work in 2018 to verify these initial results.

Remember: you can help reduce lead ingestion in eagles and other birds by using non-lead ammunition for all of your hunting and shooting.

MAPS

The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) Program is a continent-wide network of songbird banding stations that are operated throughout the breeding season. Data collected at these stations are used to assess the population trends of birds, and to inform effective conservation efforts. This year marked the 27th consecutive year of data collection. Teton Raptor Center, in partnership with Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, operated two MAPS stations this summer to continue the dataset originally started by the Teton Science Schools. Between the two stations, we had 577 captures from 43 species.

The five most commonly captured birds were Yellow Warbler, American Robin, Song Sparrow, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and Cedar Waxwing. One notable capture was an adult Cooper’s Hawk that flew into a net while carrying its prey.

Preliminary results from the past 27 years indicate declines in several songbird species in Jackson Hole. Continuing these monitoring efforts will help us to better understand the current status of our local songbirds, and support the endurance of these diverse communities.

Lead Bander Allison Swan and Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Executive Director Jon Mobeck release a Cedar Waxwing. © TRC staff photo.

s

-

n

2017 Publications by TRC Research Team Synchronous Tail Molt in Great Gray Owls. Gura, K., B. Bedrosian and B. Mendelsohn. 2017. Journal of Raptor Research. 51:190-192.

TRC Research Director Bryan Bedrosian working in the field alongside Wyoming Game and Fish Department Nongame Biologist Susan Patla. © TRC staff photo.

Conservation Collaborations

Patterns of Spatial Distribution of Golden Eagles Across North America: How Do They Fit into Existing Landscape-Scale Mapping Systems?. Brown, J.L., B. Bedrosian, D. Bell, et al. 2017.

Journal of Raptor Research.

51:197-215.

“The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.” —Aristotle Raptor conservation goes well beyond what one individual or organization can do. Most often, our research projects at Teton Raptor Center involve difficult-tostudy species across large geographic areas. Raptor research projects can be extremely time sensitive and difficult, and analysis of the data is often quite complicated. Building partnerships not only allows us to expand our capacity, but also enables us to gather the strengths of each collaborator, creating much more effective outcomes. Sometimes we can foresee strategic collaborations, but we never turn down opportunities to explore unconventional alliances to help raptors and their habitats. Understanding our strengths and identifying opportunities for help can be a humbling and very productive and effective way to accomplish our goals.

We rely on collaborators in all of our projects and are fortunate to provide supporting roles for others. For a few examples, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Bridger-Teton National Forest work closely with us in the field on our Great Gray Owl project and we look forward to adding the University of Wyoming as a key collaborator this year (see Careers in Conservation). Raptor View Research Institute, Alaska Game and Fish Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Thunder Basin National Grassland have collaborated on several different Golden Eagle projects with additional analysis partners such as Lone Pine Analytics, The Nature Conservancy, and University of California-Davis. We’ve been working with the Bureau of Land Management and Utah State University on Greater Sagegrouse research in the Pinedale region. Grand Teton National Park is a key partner in our Rough-legged Hawk migration and local sage-grouse work. TRC served as an interim home for songbird banding as we worked toward transitioning MAPS to our collaborators at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation for a long-term home. “BAEA 3.12.16” and the genetics project that rose from her story wouldn’t be possible without Michael Whitfield and Oklahoma State University. Not only do our collaborations provide on-the-ground or analytical expertise, they also act as logistical and funding support. Working with a variety of people, organizations, foundations, and agencies that have varying missions, visions, and perspectives is critical to achieving long-term preservation of all species within our ecosystems and the habitats they occupy. Our successful partnerships have been a result of putting any differences aside, sharing objectives, sharing the hard work, and sharing the successes. tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Biologist Katherine Gura radio-tracking Great Gray Owls. © Moosejaw Bravo Photography.

Research Wish List How your donation can help the birds! $

WISH: Data storage 20,000 BIG and server support sound recorders to 1000 Two monitor owls and hawks

$

subscriptions for 500 Annual Arc-GIS mapping

$

software Hok Strap-on 300 Alta Backcountry Skis

$

100 Walki-talki radio set

$

storage tubes for 50 Blood raptor DNA

$

for field 35 Batteries equipment

$

Careers in Conservation

TRC Expands Year-Round Opportunities for Interns and Externs "I am much more confident in myself and for my future as a veterinarian because of the knowledge and skills I have learned while at TRC." —Taylor Eshmont, Rehabilitation Extern TRC Extern, Taylor Eshmont, treats a wound on a hawk. ©TRC staff photo.

TRC Intern, Adrian Rouse, works a Great Horned Owl on a creance line. ©TRC staff photo.

Taylor Eshmont: Rehabilitation Extern (Summer 2017) I have always wanted to become a veterinarian, and while attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, I quickly developed a passion for avian medicine. As an Animal and Poultry Sciences (APSC) student at Virginia Tech, I was required to complete a culminating experience to gain skills applicable to a career in an animal-related field. Most APSC students choose to intern at a veterinary clinic for their capstone experience, but I wanted my capstone to be much more than that. For four weeks over the summer, I gained more than I ever could have imagined externing at TRC. I became comfortable handling birds the size of American Kestrels all the way up to Bald Eagles. Through working alongside the veterinary technician at the clinic, I was able to perfect my blood-drawing skills and learn how to test raptors for lead toxicity. In addition, I was also given the opportunity to perform necropsies and was able to determine the exact cause of death of numerous patients. Even though I spent most of my time in the clinic, I was able to gain knowledge and skills from TRC’s other two missions: research and education. I spent one morning with the research team in the Tetons identifying and banding countless songbirds. I also became a lot more confident in my public speaking ability through observing educational programs given by some of TRC’s staff. TRC has an atmosphere that is paramount to all of the other wildlife centers that I have worked at. The sense of community at TRC is unlike anywhere else. As I enter my senior year at Virginia Tech and apply to veterinary school, I am much more confident in myself and for my future as a veterinarian because of the knowledge and skills I have learned while at TRC.

Adrian Rouse: Intern (Summer/Fall 2017) I started with TRC as the Summer Intern in late May, 2017, and it has been an incredible experience. I spent the majority of my time working with a wide array of rehabilitation patients, though I also had several opportunities to work in the field with the research crew. The diversity of my internship allowed me to improve the skills I already had and to develop new ones. From carefully feeding baby American Kestrels and administering medications to Bald Eagles to assisting with songbird banding, this experience has been invaluable. As I continue to seek additional schooling and career paths in conservation, there is no doubt that what I have learned at TRC will continue to be useful for me in the future. I plan to continue following and keeping in contact with TRC, their projects, and their dedicated staff and volunteers! web: www.tetonraptorcenter.org tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Grad School Bound Katherine Gura Master’s of Science in Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming.

Adviser: Dr. Anna Chalfoun

Alex Weiss & Taylor Eshmont administer eye drops to a Long-eared Owl. ©TRC staff photo.

Alex’s Avian Adventure (Summer 2017) High school student Alexandra “Alex” Weiss spent an intensive couple of weeks with us during the summer, observing the many facets of TRC’s work and then translating her experience into blog reports as part of a mini-internship. Here’s Alex’s last post from her internship experience: “During the last two days of my Avian Adventures at Teton Raptor Center, I have been working with the rehabilitation team. On Sunday, I assisted our amazing Vet Tech Makayla Smith with our lab test. During our lab tests we conduct fecal floats, PCV, lead tests, and weigh the birds. One bird that caught my attention was one of the American Kestrels. This particular American Kestrel is a nestling that was alone on the ground in Idaho. Today he weighs a shocking 118 grams, which is more than double his original weight thanks to the spectacular rehabilitation team. Baby birds grow incredibly quickly and eat several times per day. During his peak growth phase, this baby Kestrel was eating four times as much as an adult. We are trying to locate a suitable nest in Idaho in which this bird will be wild-fostered. Young birds are more successful in the wild when they have been raised by wild parents."

If you are interested in exploring a career path in conservation with TRC, please visit tetonraptorcenter.org/support/ internships.

After several years of leading research fieldwork at Teton Raptor Center, Katherine will begin her master’s education at the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2018. Working in conjunction with Dr. Anna Chalfoun and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, her thesis research will center on determining the territory size and assessing the habitat selection of breeding Great Gray Owls in northwestern Wyoming. Having studied Great Gray Owls in the Jackson area since 2013, she feels lucky that her thesis will have such a direct connection to the work she has already done. “I can’t imagine a more perfect project for me,” she says. “I’ve been able to learn so much about Great Gray Owls over the past years, and now I get to continue researching them while I work towards a graduate degree.” Earning a master’s degree is the natural next step in Katherine’s career, and she looks forward to conducting applied research, in which the science can be utilized for conservation.

Research Associate Katherine Gura is headed to graduate school to advance our understanding of Great Gray Owls. ©TRC staff photo.

Poo-Poo Project

Our Partners D US Forest Service 75 National Forests and 150+ Ranger Districts

D National Park Service 60 National Park Service Sites

D US Fish and Wildlife Service 40 National Wildlife Refuges

Poo-Poo Project in all 50 states!

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The Poo-Poo Project, TRC’s national effort to prevent wildlife entrapment in vault toilets, set an ambitious goal to distribute Poo-Poo Screens to all 50 states by the end of 2017. With the help of TRC staff, caring volunteers, and hundreds of partners around the United States, we achieved that major conservation milestone in August, when Delaware's Bellevue State Park received four sponsored Poo-Poo screens to cap vault toilet vent pipes. Poo-Poo screens are now installed in all 50 states and the US Virgin Islands. Since January of this year, Teton Raptor Center has secured Poo-Poo Projects in 20 new states. We extend special recognition, and huge thanks, to Super Pooper Volunteer June Green of Missouri, who spent over 100 hours in 2017 coldcalling various public land agencies across the United states and single-handedly established Poo-Poo Project Partners in 15 new states!

D US Bureau of Land Management 36 Poo-Poo Projects

D US Army Corps of Engineers 6 Poo-Poo Projects

D State Park Agencies in 17 states

D Game and Fish Departments in 6 states

D Audubon Society Chapters, The Nature Conservancy, Association of Nature Center Administrators, and various private individuals and corporations.

States with installed poo-poo screens are shown in blue. The red states added their first Poo-Poo Project in 2017.

10,000 Poo-Poo Project sells its 10,000th Poo-Poo Screen!

The Poo-Poo Project achieved an impressive conservation milestone as Missoula Concrete Construction, a national provider of vault concrete toilets and a long-time supporter of the Poo-Poo Project, purchased the 10,000th Poo-Poo Screen. Their conservation-minded staff has also added a free Teton Raptor Center Poo-Poo Screen for its vault toilet purchasers. “We are very proud to support TRC’s Poo-Poo Project and will continue to do our part in ensuring the safety of all wild birds who come in contact with our vault toilets.”

— Adam Bauer, Owner of Missoula Concrete Construction

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Boreal Owl trapped in an uncapped vault toilet. © US Forest Service

A ranger gives "thumbs up" to the ease of installing a TRC Poo-Poo Screen. © US Fish and Wildlife Service

Poo-Poo Project History Each year thousands of cavitynesters, 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 12” diameter ventilation pipes that mimic the natural cavities preferred by various bird species for nesting and roosting. Once a bird enters a ventilation pipe and is inside the vault toilet, they are entrapped and succumb to starvation or disease.

TRC began working with regional federal agencies in 2010 to cap pipes.

Three years later, we developed a vent screen to prevent wildlife entrapment on a national scale. They are easy to install, affordable, and made of durable steel.

Eagle Saves Owls Bjornn Tolman, a 16-year-old Boy Scout in Utah’s Troop 338 became the first Boy Scout in the US to earn the rank of Eagle while installing 21 Poo-Poo Screens at Utah’s Antelope Island State Park.

National Poo Museum Teton Raptor Center’s Poo-Poo Project will be on display at the National Poo Museum on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

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Sponsor-a-Screen: Program

The Sponsor-a-Screen program has been a huge success. For just $35, it allows individuals and families to participate in wildlife conservation and help raise awareness about cavity-nesting wildlife entrapment issues. Since the program began in the summer of 2016, over 700 sponsored PooPoo Screens have been purchased

by TRC supporters and distributed for free to Poo-Poo Partners around the country.

With the holiday season approaching, are you wondering what to get for the person who has everything? Sponsor-A-Screen in his or her honor and we’ll send you a gift packet with a special PooPoo Project greeting card, decal and the great feeling that you’re contributing to saving wildlife.

Superior Ventilation TRC screens effectively stop birds without disrupting ventilation. In addition to a sturdy steel top, these screens feature a raised 1” elevation for unimpeded cross-ventilation, whereas conventional flat screens collect debris and snow, compromising air flow.

TRC durable Poo-Poo Screens stand u to heavy snow without blockin ventilation. © TRC staff phot

Rehabilitation

Owl-Mania in the Rehab Clinic

W

hen I look back each year at the number of birds we see in rehabilitation, I'm always amazed that we were able to care for so many. After 39 Great Horned Owls, they can start to blend together but there are a few that stick out in my mind and they are cases that clearly demonstrate what raptor rehabilitation is all about. The whole point of raptor rehabilitation is to care for injured birds that otherwise wouldn't make it. We also use these opportunities to learn about risks to raptors and to educate the public (and ourselves) about what we can do for conservation. In the last year the stories of two resilient

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

birds stick out in my mind: The Barn Owl that died twice (and was later released!) and the baby Great Horned Owl fostered by Owly (TRC’s Resident Great Horned Owl) and then by wild owl parents. The Barn Owl was the victim of a car strike and reminds us to slow down at dawn and dusk. The baby Great Horned Owl is a reminder that baby birds are best raised by their own species. If you see a baby bird on the ground, call Teton Raptor Center or your local wildlife center first to make sure the bird really needs help.

—Meghan Warren, Rehabilitation Director

Owly’s Foster Baby This spring, a well-meaning man found a baby Great Horned Owl on the ground. He recognized that it was too young to be out of the nest and attempted to raise it himself. The best parents for a baby owl are its wild parents. Second-best are foster parents of the same species. Third-best are wildlife rehabilitators. Baby birds take specialized care, diets, and should not be raised by members of the public. When we admitted the baby owl, we knew it was critical to get it with an adult Great Horned Owl as soon as possible. The only suitable foster parent we had was Owly, a Resident Raptor at TRC. At 13 years old, Owly had never raised young but we had to give it a try. When they were first introduced, Owly began hooting at the new owl in her space. When staff came back in the morning, the baby was snuggled up next to Owly. As we watched through the peephole he reached up and tugged on her feathers begging for food. The introduction had been successful and the baby was acting like a young owl should. Owly was doing a great job as a foster mom.

Meanwhile, we'd been searching to locate an owl nest with young of the same age. Luckily, one of our photographer friends sent us a picture of a nestling in a Great Horned Owl nest in Idaho. The homeowners were excited to have the baby join the family on their property. We installed a laundry basket on the tree below the nest and put the baby in there with a few extra mice. By the third day, he had climbed into the real nest and over the following weeks we enjoyed

Case Study reports that he was doing well with his new wild family. Six weeks later he was learning how to fly from tree to tree while his new parents continued to care for him.

The Barn Owl that Died Twice (and was ultimately released)!

"Big Mama," The Great Horned Owl D Rescued:

8/13/17 Freedom, WY

D Released:

10/11/17 59 days in rehab

D Injury:

Ulna Fracture

D Cause of Injury: Car strike at dusk

D Treatment Plan: Late last fall, Liz Cowie, a TRC Ambassador, went to pick-up an injured Barn Owl in Idaho Falls. On her way there, biologists at Idaho Fish and Game let us know that the bird had died. Liz decided to retrieve the bird anyway and brought it back so that we could learn a little bit more about its injuries. As she drove, she noticed that the box started to move. The owl had revived!

After giving it some time to recuperate in our oxygen chamber, we scheduled surgery to fix his broken wing. During surgery, the owl’s heart stopped beating and he stopped breathing. He died for the second time. Dr. Joe Wienman, one of our primary veterinarians, decided to continue with surgery so that he could learn what to do with this type of fracture. Just as Dr. Wienman finished inserting the pin to stabilize the fracture, the owl revived again! After several weeks the bird made a full recovery and returned to the wild. This was our first bird released after orthopedic surgery so it was a special case for all.

Surgery to fix ulna, physical therapy to rebuild strength

D Cost of Rehab: $1,160.42

Summary: “Big Mama” was a large Great Horned Owl (1.5kg, earning her nickname) that came to us late one night over the summer. She was “Big Mama,” a Great Horned Owl in rehab at TRC for a hit by a car and sustained a broken ulna after being hit by a car. An x-ray shows Big broken wing. During her full Mama’s wing after a surgical pin was inserted to s t a b i lize the broken wing.. © TRC staff photos. body exam we noticed that this tough old bird also had healed over breaks in one toe on each foot from a previous injury. Both toes healed so that they stuck out straight and had extra-long talons. Knowing that she had already overcome injuries from a previous accident endeared her to us even more. Surgery for her wing went well and 59 days after admission, she was ready for release. Big Mama is another good reminder to slow down at dawn and dusk to avoid hitting wildlife.

PHOTOS Opposite page: Owly fostering a rescued baby Great Horned Owl. © TRC staff photo. Inset: The rescued baby Great Horned Owl successfully fledged in the wild. © Karen Perry.

Above: The Barn Owl that died twice! © TRC staff photo.

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Rehabilitation

Guest Shot— Dr. Joe Wienman, DVM

"Enthusiasm and the collective desire to acquire new knowledge, in my opinion, has led to the advancement of patient care at Teton Raptor Center."

—Dr. Joe Wienman, DVM

Above: Dr. Joe Wienman, DVM. © Lina Collado, Jackson Animal Hospital.

When I first came to Jackson on a vacation in 2010, I toured Teton Raptor Center. I remember being impressed by the concept that TRC, an organization dedicated to conservation promotion through education, rehab, and research, could garner such profound community support and maintain what was certainly a high level of avian patient care. Fast forward to 2016, and I began working at a small animal clinical practice in Jackson.

Through various interactions at our clinic, I have been able to meet a large portion of TRC staff. Before I even began helping with patient care for TRC, I noticed a common denominator amongst its staff and volunteers—thorough devotion to the fulfillment of TRC's mission and a true enjoyment of their jobs. I began to understand what I had originally thought in 2010.

Eventually, I began to assist the Center with medical management of hospitalized raptors. While I was self-admittedly not an avian expert, the crew at TRC was excited to have the help. From the beginning, I felt a sense of collaboration. Enthusiasm and the collective desire to acquire new knowledge, in my opinion, has led to the advancement of patient care at TRC. This dedication follows through in the after care of the patients; the team is always assessing comfort and progress with each case.

The overarching dilemma of how we can advance patient care while maintaining patient integrity is constantly being addressed at TRC. Indeed, some patients are too far-gone to help. In these instances the staff approaches the case with the same level of compassion.

Some patients are treated (and released) as a result of steadfast care, concern, and collaboration. I am particularly proud of their work with patients suffering from orthopedic ailments—fractures, luxations, etc. While we may be able to pin a fracture of the ulna within an hour, the team works with that patient daily to ensure appropriate physical therapy and wound management is performed. The resilience of the birds is paralleled by that of the workers and volunteers at TRC. For me, it has been such a great experience to collaborate with the center. My understanding of avian medicine has certainly improved. However, more importantly, I have been reminded of the success that can arise with the collective idea that the work being performed is truly important!

Become a TRC Ambassador

If you are interested in joining our team of all-star ambassadors, sign-up at tetonraptorcenter.org/support/ volunteer.

2018 Ambassador Celebration and Orientation Wednesday, January 10th 5:30 – 7:30 pm, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hansen Hall Other 2018 Training Opportunities: Tuesdays, May 15th, July 10th, October 16th

TRC Ambassadors showed up in force at our annual spruce-up, clean-up day at the center. © TRC staff photo.

Visit www.tetonraptorcenter.org or join our mailing list for details.

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Raptor Rescue Network

TRC staff inject a rescued Golden Eagle with fluids to treat dehydration. © Steve Poole.

Since Teton Raptor Center was founded in 1997, we have relied on our partners at US Fish and Wildlife, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and dedicated volunteers to help care for raptors beyond Jackson Hole. There are currently four raptor rehabilitation centers that serve Wyoming: Ironside Bird Rescue in Cody, Wind River Raptors in Lander, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program in Fort Collins, and Teton Raptor Center in Wilson. As all rehab centers and game wardens are getting more and more calls about injured raptors, we realized we needed to create a network of volunteers to transport injured raptors. TRC received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to coordinate the Golden Eagle Rescue Network, now known as the Raptor Rescue Network (RRN), with the goal of providing every injured Golden Eagle in Wyoming access to rehabilitation. While the network was funded and primarily built for the benefit of Golden Eagles, other raptors have also been transported through the network. We have been humbled by the commitment that these rescuers (85 individuals and growing!) have to helping injured birds. In a survey by TRC, 76% say they are willing to drive 6+ hours and 24% say they will drive 4-5 hours. Since September 2016, RRN volunteers drove and flew over 9,745 miles and spent over 166 hours transporting 37 birds to TRC, Wind River Raptors, Ironside Bird Rescue, and Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.

If you are interested in joining the Raptor Rescue Network, contact us at raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org.

TRC staff carefully examine a rescued Sharp-shinned Hawk. ©Rebecca Bredhoft

Rehab Ambassador Kathy Warner Kathy Warner started volunteering in TRC’s rehab clinic in 2015. As a retired nurse, Kathy was a quick learner and applied her skills as a © TRC staff photo human nurse to care for the raptor patients. She also helped implement new protocols to make the shift more efficient. Kathy has been a huge help training new volunteers in the clinic. We are so grateful to have Kathy on the team as she is a constant, positive energy in the clinic.

Rehab Wish List

How your donation can help the birds!

20,000

$

BIG WISH: Rehab Internship Program Sponsorship

1500 Autoclave

$

$

$

hoods, gloves and handling 500 Raptor equipment

300 Kennels pins and other surgical 100 Orthopedic supplies

$

$

50 Medical supplies for one week 35 Medical books and subscription

$

Education

What a difference a year makes!

Think you’ve met our Avian Ambassadors? Think again! Check out photos of River (Bald Eagle), Taiga (Great Gray Owl), and Hunter (Peregrine Falcon) from summer of 2016 to summer of 2017.

Plumage can change dramatically in the first few years of a raptor’s life.

Every visit with our ambassadors can feel like an entirely new experience!

2016

2017

@ 2016

2017

@ 2016

Left column of photos from 2016, right side from 2017. Top to bottom: River the Bald Eagle, Taiga the Great Gray Owl, Hunter the Peregrine Falcon. All copyrighted photos by Rebecca Bredehoft.

2017

@

Below: Education Director Becky Collier conducts an enrichment activity with Resident Raptor River the Bald Eagle. © Natalee Chartier.

Enrichment Our education birds enjoy daily enrichment activities, which vary based upon each bird’s abilities. Enrichment is important for maintaining fitness, keeping joints healthy and moving properly, and providing mental and physical stimulation.

Activities include time on the glove to increase human interactions, tethering out for a change of scenery, traveling to new sites, and “working” for their diet, e.g., flying from point A to point B for a food reward.

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Shop

Gifts that make a difference!

All proceeds from our shop directly support our mission to advance raptor conservation. 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.

Trucker hats .................................................................................................................................................$2999 with patch featuring Nicole Gaitan's Owl artwork. In a variety of colors and images.

Ceramic Mug, featuring Nicole Gaitan's owl artwo

15 oz. Ceramic Coffee/Tea Mugs ....................................................................................................$1999 featuring Nicole Gaitan's Owl artwork.

Water Bottles ............................................................................................................................ $1699 – $1999

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Bring a Teton Raptor Center water bottle by Contigo on your next birding adventure. Offered in 2 sizes: 14 oz. in Blue, $16.99 or 24 oz. in Green or Blue, $19.99

Natural Loofah Kitchen Scrubber .....................................................................................................$699 Eco friendly and biodegradable. Gentle enough to clean fruits and vegetables, yet tough enough to clean stubborn pots, pans and dishware. Choice of Red Owl, Black Owl, Brown Owl or Bald Eagle

NEW! Hot off the press! Growing Up Great Gray ........................................................................$995 See the world through the eyes of a Great Gray Owl. This book was created by wildlife photographer Ashleigh Scully. *WY sales tax not included. TRC accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, cash and check.

TRC Trucker ha

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Featured Artist Nicole Gaitan Nicole Gaitan is a self-taught artist who has been painting for as long as she can remember. While attending the University of California at Santa Cruz, she studied the History of Art and Visual Culture while working summers at Horizon Fine Art Gallery in Jackson Hole, WY. Her undying affection for art continues to guide her career path to new and exciting heights.

For Gaitan, contrast is the primary focus, whether that is expressed in expansive color pockets or complex punctuations. She Artist, Nicole Gaitan. has been exhibiting her work for over ten years in galleries, solo exhibitions, public art displays, and festivals. Gaitan’s work is collected across the United States and abroad.

At Teton Raptor Center, Nicole’s contributions include coffee mugs and trucker hats with her paintings on them in various shades and color themes. In addition to these items, her original pieces enhance the office/shop space on a gallery wall featuring her art for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the birds. Numerous guests have added these pieces to their homes throughout the U.S. Nicole has a special talent to showcase raptors, whether it’s an American Kestrel or a Great Horned Owl and we have the privilege of highlighting her artwork here at Teton Raptor Center. Visit our shop and check out Nicole’s website: www.nkgart.com. And, see the back cover for a chance to win one of Nicole's raptor paintings.

Water bott

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Thanks for Giving a Hoot!

Teton Raptor Center shares our fullest gratitude with the many individuals, families, businesses, and foundations that have generously contributed time, talent, and financial resources to support our work. This extensive list includes our RaptorFest sponsors and Sponsor-A-Screen donors too. These contributions keep us soaring and support important education, research, and rehabilitation initiatives. TRC’s birds, staff, and Board of Directors are grateful beyond measure for the goodwill and generosity extended to the Center this year. **

A A.J. Derosa's Vintage Adventures Connie Abramson April Abrantes Armond Acri Jonathan Adam Carrie Ann Adams James & Carolyn Adams Jeff Adams Sara Adamson Sonja Aikens Fraida & Bob Aland Joe Albright & Marcia Kunstel Christopher Aldridge Nina Alexander Arianna Alibabaie Charles & Brenda Allen Sue Allin Gerry Amadon AmazonSmile Foundation James & Emily Ambler AmeriCorps George & Patty Amlin Andrew & Shawn Ankeny Anonymous Joan Anzelmo Cole Archer Mark & Ryland Aronowitz Michelle Ashford Aspens Market DuBose & Sallie Ausley Jackie Austin John & Diane Awve

B Kelly Baek Sonya Bain

William & Doris Bain Susan Baird Baker Family William & Ann Balderston Jane Baldwin Tish Ballance & Melissa Watkins Matt Balogh Leslie Barker Matt & Jess Barker David Barnett & Geneva Chong Robert Bartberger & Linda Allen Pilar Bass Frank Bassett John Batenhorst & Patty Coursey Becky Bauer-Page Laurie Cirone Bay Jacquelyn Beatty Bryan & Emily Bedrosian Silas Behnke Sally Belenky Amy Belkin Christopher & Marilyn Bell Eileen Bell Jack & April Bell Merton & Bonnie Bell Bellamy Family David Bellamy Cynthia Bennett Joe & Gainor Bennett Peter & Susanne Bergeron Elizabeth Bergt Lon Berkeley & Leslie Nickels Kent & Pegi Bernard Mark & Hillary Berry

K.C. & Mary Bess Chris Bessonette & Joanna Cooke Holly Best Lisa Binning Frank & Karla Bird Black-Periman Foundation Blanton Family Charitable Fund Bobbi Blase Rich Bloom & Becky Woods Bloom Dan Bloomberg & Irene Beardsley The Boathouse Foundation Audie Bock Briana Bode Lawrence & Elizabeth Boe Jennifer Boger Joseph & Nancy Bohne Addyson Boone Laura Boss Virgil & Laurie Boss Kris Bossard Jim Bossardt Frederick Bowditch & Angela Burton Laura Bowers-Hadley Patti Boyd Nan Boydstun Rick & Velvet Bradley Abigail Brazil Sara Breckenridge Rebecca Bredehoft Philip Bredesen & Andrea Conte Judee Brennan Stephanie Brennan Kathy Bressler

Clayton & Marjean Brillhart Jim & Irene Brinkerhoff William Broadhead Kae & Kay Brockermeyer Clark & Susan Brooks Tony & Linda Brooks The Brooks Foundation Molly Brown Paul Brown Rue Water Brown Stan Brown Don & Joan Bruck Michael Bruck Alan & Nancy Brumsted Sydney Bryan Thomas Bryan Mary Ellen Brzytwa Dale Buchbinder Wilson Bucholz Fred & Connie Buge Judy Bernstein Bunzl Bonnie Burgess Frank Burgess Harry Burgh Kim Burke Shawn & Marta Burklin Greyson & Roby Burky Jan Burnett Marie Frances Burns Tim & Elise Burns Barbara Burris & Dede Burnstine Hal & Andrea Burroughs Brenda Burt Dennis & Marian Butcher Cindy Butina Mary Butters Jean Byrne Martin & Colleen Byrne

C Catherine Cabrera Sandra Cabrera David Caccese Dan Caldwell Mary Lynn Callahan Michael Callahan Franz Camenzind Phil & Robin Cameron Sylvia Cameron Christopher Campbell Donna Campbell Leon & Abby Campbell Michael Campbell Mike Campbell & Ann Harvey Susan Campbell John & Phyllis Cardis Billy & Judy Carini Heather Carleton Leonard Carlman & Anne Ladd Lycia McRae Carmody Don Carr Jenny Carr Tosh Carr Walter & Holly Carr Casey Carroll Vance & Ann Carruth Mitchell Carter Nathan Carter Melissa Cassutt Victoria Cavalli Jinx Chapman Sandy Chapman Carol Chappelle Paul & Natalee Chartier Antoinette Chatham Henry Cheatham

Our Facebook fans submitted many Photos-of-the-Week; some featured on these pages. Top photos, L to R: Snowy Owl, photo by Michael Miller; American Kestrel, photo by Irene Greenberg; Prairie Falcon, photo by Steve Poole; Great Gray Owl, photo by Kay Stratman; Great Horned Owl, photo by Irene Greenberg; Osprey, photo by Steve Franklin; Long-eared Owl, photo by Adrian Rouse; Great Gray Owl, photo by Steve Poole; Bald Eagle, photo by Irene Greenberg; Rough Legged Hawk, photo by Sue Ernisse.

Inset: Boreal Owl, photo by Annie Ruttle. All images copyrighted.

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Mark & Connie Chittum Stephen & Judi Churchill Katherine Ciccarelli Litt Clark & Kathy Smith Mark & Jeanie Clark Steven Clark Randy & Elaine Clay Suzanne Cleary Joan Clements James Clifton Malcolm & Barbara Clinger Tina Close Broughton Coburn & Didi Thunder Richmond & Jimmie Lee Cogburn Kevin & Ali Cohane Jeffrey Cohen Marc & Lyn Cohen Claire Colbert Donald & Susan Colbert Andy & Linda Collier Becky Collier Lisa Collier Leslie Collins & Judith Brown Jorge Colon Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Victoria Comsa Shannon Condie Valerie Conger William Conley Ty Cook Richard & Mary Cooke Cookerly Public Relations Emily Coombs Clare Cooper Holly Copeland Eugenie Copp Kelley Coppens Russ & Susan Copping Constance Cordill David & Renee Cords Denise Corey Alice Cornell George & Kim Cornelson Dale Cottam Katherine Cottam Aaron Couch Kelly & Jana Couch Alyson Courtemanch Elizabeth Cowie Carter Cox Alicia Crabbe Tony Cral

Crane Creek Graphics Kimberly Crawley Toby Crispin David Cross Julia Cuccaro Tim & Rosie Cully John Curtis

D Winthrop & Bobbie Dailey, III Scott Daily Barbara Dainotti Mitchell Dann Jennifer Darcy Monalisa Das Van & Lynne Davis Caitlin Davis

Graham & Jennifer Dorian Dave & Reade Dornan Richard & Tricia Dornan Laurel Dorr Matilda Dorsey Deanna Doull Samantha Douville Mark & Katherine Dowson Theodora Doyon Delyn Drake Ronald & Julia Druker Steve Druskin Dubbe Moulder Architects Alison Dunford Marc Dunn Tina Durand Carolyn Dwyer Dykeman Family

F Howard & Myrna Fabrick Cynthia Fallon Fazzio Family Foundation Les Featherston Susan Felderman David Fenolio & Meredith Bruck Dick & Jean Ferguson Thom Filgo Bill Finerty Gary Finkel Aaron & Alicia Finley First Interstate Bank Scott & Jannine Fitzgerald Caryn Flanagan Francine Fleming Jim & Astrid Flood

Just a terrific learning opportunity about raptors in the west and a fun activity no matter your age.

– MaggsMaggs22 from Chicago, TripAdvisor

Carl & Rebecca Davis France Davis Stacie Davis Michael Dawkins Timothy & Sandy Day Cedric de la Beaujardieve Christian Dean James & Virginia Dean Mary DeByl Tami Decker Jim & Lavon DeGraw Maria Del Castilho Eric & Anne Delahaye Anne & Richard Demirjian Carl Denner Sean & Sarah Deviney Miguel & Laura Diaz Buz Dimond & Charlotte Oliver Joan DiNardo David & Wendy Dodson Peter & Vicki Doenges Marc Domsky & Lisa Finkelstein Addie Donnan Patricia Donnellan David & Nancy Donovan Marsha Doolittle

E Ecotour Adventures Jane Edelman Steve & Michele Ediss Bill Edwards Bill & Pauline Egan Marci Eggers Ehrenkranz Family Foundation Tom & Sandra Eichbaum Gary & Syd Elliott Robert Elson Cathy Emilian Denny Emory Cecelia English Episcopal School of Acadiana Christian & Jacqueline Erdman Rochelle Ereman Greg & Terri Erickson Nancy Eriksen Sue Ernisse Taylor Eshmont Esterholt Family Cyrus Etemad John & Sue Ewan Frank & Patty Ewing

Earl & Joyce Flowers Matthew & Lindsay Folk Jayann Fordon David & Gisele Found Jane France Don & Maryellen Frank Paul Franklin Spencer Frantz Julia Freedman Calvin Freshour Are & Lisa Friesecke Lynne & Jack Fritz Robert Fronk Geoffrey Fry Maggie Fuller Trudy Funk John & Annie Furrer Carol Fyfe

G Barbara Gacek & Susan Terry Lee & Sally Gaglione Nicole Gaitan Emily Galatzan Mike & Becky Galvin Howard & Ilene Garber Lee & Kathy Gardner

Wes Gardner Michael & Gwenn Garmon Brian Garrett Roman Gebauer Walt Gerald Kate Gersh Mary Gerty Ann Getches Les & Maggie Gibson Garth & Christy Gillespie Lisa Gillette Sarah Gillim & Iris Turkel Andrew Gilman Girl Scout Troop 1385 Jan Gnadt David & Joan Goldfarb Reggie Gomez-Asbury Janet Goodban Goodworld John & Linda Graham Graham-FaupelMendenhall & Associates Grand Valley Audubon Society John Grant & Lisa Brady Grant Laurie Grant Catherine Gravely Christi Gray Dana Gray Joe & Phyllis Greene June Green Irene Greenberg Rich Greenwood & Connie Wieneke Victoria Griffin Tim Griffith & Margi Neale Griffith Rachel Griffiths Cristina Grile Ingrid Grimes Alan & Patti Griswold Loren Griswold Scott Groper & Eve Adler Beth Grossman Jamie Grossman Larry & Ginny Guenzel Katherine Gura Leslie Gura Emerald Gustowt Kit Gwin

H Ralph & Louise Haberfeld Margaret Hagen Roald & Audrey Hagen

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

Tribute Gifts Individuals and animals acknowledged with tribute gifts this year.

Gifts In Honor

Drew & Krassi Harwell Captain Bob Haynam Carrie Ann Adams Alexandra Heard Albright Family Laura Hiser-Chason Zach Baker Jackson Children Erik Belenky Allen Katz Karsten Bessonette Clare & Simon Kernan Laurie & Virgil Boss The Kisors Joan Bown The Knudson Corinne Boydstun Grandchildren Brennan Family Emily Lumsdaine Michael Bruck Paul and Ester Ethan Caldwell McCollister Gordon Cameron Basilio Marchi Tosh Carr Amy McCarthy Gina Castro Brandt Porgy McClelland Margaret Creel Starbuck McLerran Charles Curtis & Patrick Merloe Camilla Curtis Evan & Macayla Meyer Heather deBethizy Dan Muscatell Davis Meg Nash & Kelly Deno Anne & Lephiew Charlotte Oliver Dennington Mike & Trina Overlock Wendy Dodson Ainsley & Kendall Owen Jake Druskin Grace & Jacob Owen Sophie Druskin Amy Page Robert Egger Eva Parks Episcopal School of David Pearce Acadiana Bob & Carolyn Pisano Steve Faught Casey & Lauren Riddell Mia Fishman Steve Robinson Fort Worth Zoo Outreach Paul & Genelle Department Robishaw Are & Lisa Friesecke Carl Schneider Arthur Fyfe Scott Schuber Jill Gan Alexandra Shulman Tom 'Pato' & Abby Smolenack Linda 'DiDi' Gaylord Emery Smith Michelle Genteman Kathy Smith Glenn George Reed Smith Alan Goodban Susy Smith Tanya Graham Anne Tang Tim & Margi Griffith TRC Staff Hamilton Family Bjornn Tolman Toni Harlan & Taylor & Mark Ullman Michael Brownfield Helen Van Riper Lisa Harrison & Erik Warne David Nuescheler

Martin Warner Meghan Warren The Wegner Sisters Dev Weiss Georgia Welch Yvette Werner Wild birds everywhere Deborah Wilson

Gifts In Memory Bald Eagle 3.12.16 Baxter the Peregrine Falcon Dori Buono William Cheatham Edwin F. Clark Karen Colchough Bob Dornan Gary Falk Tom Fallon Joseph & Lucy Fenolio Ted Guzzi Zoe Hardy Jack Howard Kate & Bear Julia Kelley Ruth E. Kern Paul Lippold Liza the Dawg & Little Mac Liza the Dog Bernice & Isak Nygaard Hooey Oliver Duane & Sarah Phillips Doris Sassenrath & Cary Ann Parrotte Cathy Smith Rochelle Stasi Dr. Barbara Stephenson Bob Sturk Brent Taylor Pastor Jack Traugott Norma Wentworth

tetonraptorcenter.org • raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org • 307.203.2551

John Haiduk Maho Hakoshima & Peggy Gilday Taylor & Libby Hall Wayne Hall Zach Hall & Julie Ann Giacobassi Robert & Nanci Halper Cash Halpin Marti Halverson Mark & Elizabeth Hamlin Ben Hammond & Lisa Johnson Ellie Hands Michael & Ann Hankin Paul Hansen Suzanne Hansen Helen Hansma David & Leslye Hardie Merlin Hare & Debra Patla Cynthia Harger John & Carol Harkness John & Lily Harrington Kathleen Harrington George & Suzanne Harris John & Lisbeth Harris Ronald & Joan Harris Hal & Sheila Harrison Harwich Family Jane Hausner Nancy Havell Becky Hawkins & Jayne Ottman James Hawley William & Mary Hayes Jennifer Hayes Housel Robert & Karen Haynam Sara Haynes Bruce Hayse Albon & Debbie Head Laura Heard Stephen Hedges William & Cristi Heffelfinger Nanci Henchcliffe Patricia Hennigan Carlton Henson Charles & Barbara Herz Jim & Betsy Hesser Jamie Hewitt Michelle Hicks Susanne Hicks Georgeann Higgins Rolf & Margie Hildre James & Katherine Hill Meghan Hill Stephen & Catalina Hill Steve & Jane Hipp Alan J. Hirschfield Foundation Berte Hirschfield Hiser Family Tony & Lynda Hitschler Richard & Karen Hobbins Joseph & Claire Hodge Allison Hoffman Norm & Carole Hofley

Jack & Sue Hogan William & Anne Hoglund Avery Holdsworth Henry Holdsworth Shelley Holland Bridget Hoopes David & Missy Hoster Nathan Hough Mark Houser & Susan Juvelier Carolyn Howard Chris & Kathryn Howard Elizabeth Howell Tom & Linda Howell A.C. & Penney Hubbard Joy Hubbell Eric Huber Robert Hughes John & Dawn Hummel Verne Huser Geoffrey Huston Karen Hutcheson Zach Hutchinson Paul Hysell

I James Irving Ed & Carole Iwanicki

J Palma Jack Robert Jack Caroline Jackson Matt Jackson & Laura Seymour Moira Jackson Scottie Jackson Marcia Jahn Fred Hamilton James Mary James Rashid & Leigh Ann Janjua Aaron & Margaret Japel Emily Japlon Dick & Patty Jaquith Lincoln Jaros Frank Jarrell Ellen Jewett Donna Johannessen Holly Johnson Margaret Johnson Doug & Laura Johnston Richard & Alison Jones Chansoo & Elisabeth Joung Journeys Schools Patrick Joyce Melanie Judd Joanne Julian

K Gillian Kabat Kalbach Family Foundation Jay & Dale Kaplan Paul Kapp Michael & Ellen Karpf Dave Katsuki & Nancy Elkins Joel Katz

Ed & Jean Kaufman Timothy & Sharon Kaufman-Osborn Kayak Hilton Head Janet Keefer Vida Keene Ken Keierleber Richard Keith Albert Kelley Susan Kelly Connie Kemmerer Dana Kerby Laura Kern Wyatt Kern Kern Audubon Society Kerncrest Audubon Society Steve & Cindi Kestrel Jeanette Keyes Charlotte Kidd Donald M. & Helen H. Kidder Family Foundation John & Loyola Kiefling Kathy King Sue King Bonnie Kingsley Bill Kingston Melissa Kingston Fred & Susan Kingwill Carrie & Scott Kirkpatrick Jamey Kitchens & Kathy Kelehan Jim Kleine & Kimberly Day Dave & Claudia Klingler Bill Klyn Cindy Knight Suzanne Boots Knighton Knobloch Family Foundation Chris & Pippa Knowlton Tom & Candy Knudson Stephen Koch & Kathryn Nyrop Carolyn Kohn Mike Krasula & Lisa Lowenfels Shawn & Fiona Krause Denise Kruegen Brian Krusoe Jane & Charles Kusek Jami Kush

L Ernie LaBelle & Frances Pollak Beedee Ladd Tucker Laitinen Patience Lamb

Susanne Lamb Nina Lambright David Landes Mason Lane Laramie Raptor Refuge Sara Lashbrook Lee Lauderbach & Angela West Christie Laughery Lawrence Family Leadership at Play Gayla Ledford Charlene Lee Wayne Lee Maren Leed Phil & Heidi Leeds Ray Leenhouts Greg Lemke & Julianne O'Donoghue Katie Leonaitis Madison Rae Lesjak Douglas Levine Josh & Elila Levinson Dawn Lewis Don & Dorothy Lewis Suzanne Lewis Martin & Alice Lieb LightHawk William Liljeroos Doris Lim Vivian Linderman Susan Lippold Donna Lively Cody & Shauna Lockhart Kelly & Liz Lockhart Jeri Lockman Katy Lockwood David & Catherine Loevner Bruce Loewenberg Kelly Logan Mary Lohuis Lisa Lord Price & Paul Clementi Barbara Lovett Martha Lowe Lower Valley Energy Margaret Lozar Deborah Lucas Joan Lucas Ron Lucas Sawyer Lucas-Griffin Stephen Lucchesi Dick & Livy Ludington Randy & Nicole Luskey Justin Lykowski Scott Lykowski

M Callum Mackay Clark & Andy MacKenzie Leslie Mackenzie Doug & Catherine MacMahon Jill MacManis Francoise Macomber Mike Mahlstedt Mary Maj Maki Foundation Catie Malone Fran Mandeville Cheryl Manning John Mannix Leslie Mapes Marchi Family Charitable Foundation Aaron Marine & Vicky Temple Thomas & Linda Markovits Albert & Bertha Markstein Foundation Kirsten Marquette Hunter Marrow & Tracy Blue John & Adrienne Mars Janet Marschner Robert Martin Lowell Martindale Nancy Martino Ann Masciarotte Mike Masterson & Cathy Denman Thomas & Joni Masterson Ronald Matous & Ruth Hubbard Valsing Maxwell Maurer Milton & Kathleen May Paul Mayer Thom & Maureen Mayer Sean & Sally McAllister T.J. & Sherry McCann Forrest & Amy McCarthy Sandra McCarthy Timber McCaslin Ed & Ellen McClaran Kristina McClees Porgy McClelland Vinny McClelland William & Ruth McClure Michael & June McCollister Gregory & Elizabeth McCoy Maxwell McDaniel Meghan McDevitt Matt McDonald Jody McGill

Show us what you've got!

We invite you to share your raptor-inspired art, stories, 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 your submission to raptors@tetonraptorcenter.org.

Owly, the Great Horned Owl. Artwork Š Edie Walker

Emily McGinty Robert & Kimberly McGregor Bernie McHugh & Frances Clark John & Pauline McIntosh Keith & Gloria McKay Kelly McKinnon Denton & Amy McLane Tristan McLerran Lyle & Amy McReynolds Van & Marisa McReynolds BJ Meador Deron & Sherry Meador Mike Medema Morris & Irene Mellion Beth Mendelsohn Kathryn Meredith Mike & Linda Merigliano Felix Meschberger Brandon Meyer Donald Meyer Jennie Meyer Michael Meyer & Kathy Remus Tracy Meza Jameson Michels Nancy Miles Shannon Miles Genevieve Miller Scott & Elinor Miller William Miller Chase Mincey & Rita Maland Marcy Mitchell Nancy Mitchell Susan Mizner Jon Mobeck Jason & Jessica Moment William Moore Susan Morin Richard P. & Claire W. Morse Foundation Casey & Amy Morton Anna Moscicki Sandra Moser Bertha Mount The Mountaineer Kami Mowbray Patti Mull Anya Mulligan

William Mulligan & Kim Kernan David & Christine Murdoch Murie Audubon Society Deirdre Murphy Ellen Murphy Susan & Don Murray

N Toni Nanneman Mark & Michele Nasatir Shirley Needham Andy & Danna Nehrbas Kent & Ann Nelson William & Lynn Nelson Network for Good New Thought Media Mark Newcomb & Allison von Maur Anne Nichols Glennis Nokes Amelia Nolan Brian Nolan David & Francoise Northern Novak Charitable Gift Fund Frank Nowell & Julie Parsons Jack and Corole Nunn Loisa Nygaard

O Allen O'Bannon & Molly Absolon Byrne O'Brien Maureen O'Brien Keith O'Connell O'Connell Family Jennifer O'Donnell Scott & Kacy O'Hare Donica O'Laughlin Patty O'Neil Keith B. Ohnmeis Nash Oliphant Clary Olmstead & Kathleen Heenan Chelsi Olson

Scott Olson Tracy Olson Anita Olson-Neuhauser Eleanor Onyon Ed & Laura Opler Gil & Marge Ordway Donald & Cathy Ann Ormond Carolyn Orr Noah & Annette Osnos Harold Osteen & Midge Korczak Willard & Katharine Overlock Pamela Oves

P Vincent Pacent & Sharene Garaman Robert & Sally Painter Tony Panarisi & Priscilla Marden Susan Papa Biba & Jon Parker Foundation Gerry Parks Sue Parrish Patagonia.com Dipti Patel-Donnelly Susan Patla Kevin & Mary Patno Patrick Family Foundation Cynthia Patterson PayneWest Insurance Kristy Peacock David & Heather Pearce James Peck & Karen Youngblood Cynda Peralta-Ramos Arturo & Eunjae Peralta-Ramos Grady & Judy Perkins Jeff & Crissy Perkins Larry & Linda Perlman Pet Place Plus Gretchen Petersen Peterson Family Marjie Pettus Henry Phibbs & Leslie Petersen George & Sarah Phocas Susan Pieper James Pilzer Sarah Pilzer Gail Piper Bob & Carolyn Pisano Lance Pitman Martha Ann Pittard Pledgling Foundation

Charles & Janet Plosser Donald Plumley & Susan Marsh Gloria Polis Bonnie Poloner Reynolds & Bettie Pomeroy Emily Poole Steve & Carol Poole David & June Poplack George Port Marshall & Susan Potterton Casey Powell Lizabeth Pratt Preheim Family Timothy & Trish Preheim Premier Powder Coating Paul & Tery Price Leeann Prichard Mary Priest Benjamin Prochnow & Lauren McClees Luther Propst & Liz Storer

Claudia Roberts John Roberts & Lynn Fleisher Grace Robertson Steve & Lisa Robertson Paul & Margaret Robinson Paul & Genelle Robishaw Stephen Robison Julie Rocherolle Nena Rodrigue Ernie Rodriguez William & Carol Rogers Elisabeth Rohrbach Wendy Rominger Lynn Roncco Jim Roscoe Anna Ross Dan & Faye Ross Douglas Ross Shane Rothman Adrian Rouse Salene Rowe Melissa Roy Neil Rudo Russell & Lisa Ruschill Rush Family Glenn & Donna Russell H.S. & Kim Russell Leslie Rutledge Paul & Annie Ruttle Brandon & Katrina Ryan William Ryerson

Jonathan & Jennifer Schneider Heather Schuber Margaret Schuber Keelan Schupman David & Rhonda Schwietert Randall Scott Don & Barbara Seale Tina Seay Carole Seegert Leah Sefton Constance Seldin Harold & Glee Sexson Landon & Colleen Shanafelt Gary Shaw & Susan Steele Michael Shaw Nancy Shea Shepherds Family Foundation Michele Sheppard Don & Dragon Sherman John Sherman Arielle Shingles Q Richard Shipps Afsah Quadri David Shlim & Jane Gallie Mike & Marilyn Quinn Jake & Donna Shreck Dick & Sandy Shuptrine R Scott & Pam Shurett David & Patsy Raaum Barry & Priscilla Sibson Jamie & Kathleen Ramirez Ginny Simmons Sarah Ramirez Jennifer Simon Tallin Rao Benj Sinclair Stanley Ray Sudhir & Heather Singh S Emma Ray Brian & Susan Singleton Andrew Sabin Family Bert Raynes Judy Singleton Foundation Meg & Bert Raynes Thomas & Sylvia Skafidas Michelle Sakota Wildlife Fund Rick & Stephanie Slaymaker Andrew Salter & Erin Rea Edwin Smail Michele Gammer Al & Susan Read Ann Smith John & Kathy Sander Red Top Meadows Chip Smith Sands Whitewater & Dawn Rehill Connie Smith Scenic River Trips Lesley Reid Creel Smith Audrey Sarn James Reilly & Alice Roby Elsa Smith John & Kelly Sawyer Frederick W. Reimers Emily Smith Richard & Deborah Reindl Iris Saxer Garnett & Bitsy Smith Dickson Schaefer Raz Reinecke Gillian Smith Diane Schafer Relief Technologies Kathryn Smith George & Kay Schaller Brian & Maddy Remlinger Makayla Smith Jerry & Carrie Scheid Nancy Resor Michael Smith Sherry Schenk Lenora Retallic Randall & Doris Smith David & Margene Schepps Roger Smith & Anne Reusche Alexander & Leslie Schilling Bruce & Barbara Ribner Margaret Creel Brian & Maggie Schilling Ronald & Pamela Richey Wink Smith Vera Schlesinger Pete & Judy Riede James & Luci Smoak Will Rigsby & Leslie Mattson Harvey & Mary Schmidt Elizabeth Smolenack Milo Schmidt & Sarah McKenna Riley Margot Snowdon Edwards-Schmidt Frances Ritchie Barbara Snyder Chuck & Carol Schneebeck James & Audrey Sorensen Shelly Ross Robbins Finlay Schneider Barb Roberson Anne Spacone

Josh Spear James Speyer Austin & Suzanne Spitzer Jim & Kim Springer Denise Spusta Stewart & Elaine Spyker Kathi Squires Neil Srivatsa Fred & Jeanie Staehr Margaret Stahl Stallings Family Virginia Stallings Norm & Carrie Starr STARR Fund Susan Steele Shana Stegman Bobby & Mimi Stein John Stenstrom Marilyn Stephenson David Stern Gary & Mary Stern Leslie Sternlieb Sally Stevens Martha Stewart Ashley Stinson Andy & Kathy Stirling Andy & Sue Stoessel Stephen Stohlman & Cornelia Bergmann Peter Stoops & Kate Wilkinson Dick Stout Jesse Stover & Stine Richvoldsen Pattie Stover Olivia Strano K.O. Strohbehn John & Deane Stuart Elizabeth Stumpf C.W. Sullivan John Sullivan Gary & Stacy Suskauer Sustaining Adventures Linda Sutor Allison Swan Joe & Cathy Swift Phelps & Pam Swift Karla Swiggum

T Ali Taleghani & Albertine DuFrayne Deborah Tate Ian & Sherri Taxman Tayloe Piggott Gallery Cindy Taylor David & Maureen Taylor Ed & Bobbie Taylor Kevin & Amy Taylor

Linda Taylor Michael & Jennifer Tennican Tim Tennyson & Deidre Bainbridge Karen Terra Allan & Frances Tessler Teton Conservation District Teton Science School Teton Toys Teton Valley Community School Beth Thebaud Cheryl Thiele Raymond & Terri Thomas Steve & Ingrid Thomas Amanda Thompson James & Cynthia Thorburn William & Susan Thorkelson 3 Creek Ranch Homeowners Association William Thurber Thursday Roundtable Fund Wes & Shirley Timmerman Randy & Kathleen Titsworth Devon Topp Gene & Susan Tremblay Tremblay Family Foundation Tronox Specialty Alkali Corporation Francine Tryka Chris Tubby & Deborah Wilson Meghan Tucker Bruce & Sandra Tully Justin & Amy Turim John & Mary Kay Turner Kathryn Turner Todd & Kitty Tyrie

U Richard Uhl & K Rae Ambroz Juliet Unfried Steve & Amy Unfried Randy & Amy Urick

V Mike & Carolyn Vale Jeff van Ee & Nancy Eaton Kent & Karen Van Riper Sandra Vande Hey Dustin & Carrie Varga Tania Veltchev

Whit & Beth Whitworth Laurel Wicks John & Nancy Wilbrecht Wild Wings Bob & Susan Willbanks W Melissa Willcox Randy & Kristie Wade William E. Weiss Don & Elizabeth Walden Foundation Kenneth & Lyndsay Walden Christine Williams Philip Walker Kirby & Stephanie Williams Bryant Walter Ron & Lynne Williamson Justin & Jessie Walters Bart Wilner Bill & Deb Ward Deborah Wilson John & Connie Ward Kurt & Chris Wimberg Mike & Charlya Ward Ben Winship & Brittany Warden Caroline Herter Jo Warden Alex Witham Kathleen Ann Warner Elizabeth Wolcott Tracey Warner Halama Wolf Creek Charitable Kevin & Amy Warren Foundation Meghan Warren Josh & Kaitlin Wolff David Warrick Steve & June Wolfson Katie Washington Wolpov Family John & Jocelyn Wasson Ted & Jo Ann Wong Anne Watkins Meghan Wood James Watkinson & Wood Family Foundation Hermione Beresford Loring Woodman & Andrew Watson & Melody Lin Ann Neumann Travis & Taylor Woods David & Eva Watson Charles Woodward David & Rhonda Watson Ryan Wordell Nathan Watson David & Susan Work Trevor Watson Eric & Nancy Worrell Matthew Watters Christopher & Holly Wright Mark Weaver Jason Wright Wayd Weber John Wright & Dana Olson Diana Wedell Kelvin Wu & Elli Bemis Rob Weed Wyoming Wildlife Michael Wehrle Foundation Linda Weil Alex Weiss Y Noah Weiss Gary & Mary Jo Weissman Ellen Yeatman Meredith Yetter Kay Wellemeyer Noel Young Christina Wells Sascia Yuan Stuart & Daphne Wells Trevor & Adriana Wells Ronald & Sally Wentworth Z Barry & Alice Zacherle Rob Werner Jason Zalamea P.S. Wesse Michael & Kelly Zanzarella Westside Wine & Spirits Greg & Dimmie Zeigler Kathleen Whit Jennifer Ziegler Phil Whit Judith Zimmerman Whitey White & Suzanne Zuckerman Bev Boynton Raul Vergara Ethan Vinson Christy Violin

** Donors and volunteers who contributed time, talent, financial resources and/or in-kind services and gifts between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017 are recognized on this list. Teton Raptor Center regrets any inadvertent omissions or misspellings. Please contact us if you are not properly recognized so we can correct our information on file.

Raptorfest Wrap-up Our annual afternoon of feather-filled festivity on Father's Day made an exciting move in 2017. Teton Raptor Center brought RaptorFest into the town of Jackson, in a fantastic partnership with JacksonHoleLive, a summer series of live music. Over 1,800 participants enjoyed 17 different activities, including Bird Bingo, Crafty Kestrels, facepainting, equipment demonstrations, and much more.

The resident raptor team dazzled guests with their diversity and important stories to help people better understand how human actions influence raptor health. Zach Freidhof, John Carney, Laurie Boss, Hank Phibbs, and Dan Thomasma provided live music throughout the event. Thanks to our all of our sponsors for making this community celebration of birds of prey possible. Eagle-sized thanks to our Gold Sponsors: Wendy & David Dodson Graham Faupel Mendenhall and Associates Sands Whitewater & Scenic River Trips Westside Wine & Spirits PHOTOS, left to right: Education Director Becky Collier gets ready for the "rat raffle" activity. TRC Ambassador Sammy Douville paints faces. Whoo-hoo's that? Volunteers prepare owl masks. The research station offers the opportunity to meet TRC's field biologists and experiment with field equipment. TRC Ambassador Litt Clark and Executive Director Amy McCarthy take a time out to pose at the "Owl and the Egg." TRC Ambassador Ernie Rodriguez hangs banners throughout the event, directing people of all ages to fun activities to learn about birds of prey.

Save the Date!

It was so much fun, we're doing it again!

Join us for the 8th annual

Father's Day, Sunday, June 17, 2018

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

Win this Painting!

Win this original 30x48 painting, "Flora," by TRC featured artist Nicole Gaitan. How? Simply complete this on-line survey at

tetonraptorcenter.org/support/2017-survey and give us your feedback and insights and you’ll be eligible to win this raptor-inspired artwork generously contributed by Jackson Hole artist Nicole Gaitan. Survey closes on January 1, 2018. Winner announced in the first “Talon Tuesdays” of 2018.

"Teton Raptor Center has been a huge part of my success over the past few years as an artist. It's such a great feeling to be able to work alongside an organization with similar values. I feel grateful to be one of many contributors to support the Center's work."

—Nicole Gaitan, featured TRC artist 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.

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