Rocky Mountain Raptor Program-RMRP

09/04/2024

Tragic and most troubling. No leads in the case and the agencies now need your help! 😡

Breadcrumb Home News Releases Critically endangered California condor shot in Colorado, CPW and USFWS ask the public for assistance Critically endangered California condor shot in Colorado, CPW and USFWS ask the public for assistance Statewide Share: John Livingston Southwest Region Public Informati...

09/04/2024

URGENT WISH LIST ITEM

We are in need of copy paper. Regular ol' 8.5x11. Because boring office supplies keep the RMRP running, believe it or not!

Amazon wish list: https://a.co/9qdgkhk

Or you can drop off items M-F 8-5 at our facility located at 720 E. Vine Drive in Fort Collins.

09/03/2024

Bring your camera and enjoy a morning photographing our beautiful ambassadors! Featuring 3 to 4 different species, your photo session will allow you to practice your photography skills and enjoy easy access to raptors while learning about responsible wildlife photography. The ambassadors you’ll meet may show a physical disability (such as a wing droop or missing eye) and may be presented on a handler’s glove or perched in a semi-natural setting. This session is geared towards those newer to wildlife photography and/or the general hobbyist. $100/person.

There are ONLY 8 SPOTS REMAINING so register ASAP!

Register: https://www.rmrp.org/photo-session-registration/

You must supply your photography equipment and knowledge on how to use it. Cell phone photography is not suitable for this opportunity. Closed- toed shoes are required. Minimum age is 10 years old. Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also paying for the session.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jessica Miller at 970-484-7756 or [email protected].

09/01/2024

🎨SUBMISSIONS OPEN🖌️⁠
⁠
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s annual Eggstravaganza is a chance for artists to design and create egg-ceptional artwork. These works of art are auctioned at RMRP’s Annual Gala in February. These eggs have raised thousands to support the mission of RMRP over 12 years.⁠
⁠
Entries for the 2025 Gala are open now! Decorated eggs need to be turned in by January 1, 2025.⁠
⁠
To start your application, please submit your idea for your egg design using the LINK IN BIO or: https://www.rmrp.org/eggstravaganza/⁠
⁠
Not sure if your design will qualify? Submit it! We’ve had eggs painted, turned into sculptures, carved, creatively broken, encased in metal, dyed, knitted, collaged, turned into air plant holders, and much more! You can view past submissions via the Eggstravaganza Archive at LINK IN BIO or: https://www.rmrp.org/eggstavaganza-archive/

08/30/2024

Start your weekend right with a free public program from RMRP! We'll be at the High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland from 9-10 on 8/31 giving a program on the tools and adaptations that raptors use to live in the wild.

See you tomorrow!

08/30/2024

⚡️Factoid Friday⚡️

The average life span of a Broad-winged Hawk is 12 years. Broad-winged Hawks are long distance migrants, many of which breed in Canada and winter in Brazil. They conserve energy on migration by soaring on thermals and mountain updrafts.

This Broad-winged Hawk was a former patient at RMRP.

08/27/2024

An epically busy spring/summer filled with weather extremes has filled our enclosures to capacity since April. Despite a steady stream of releases, we currently have 36 raptors in our Flight complex that are itching to get out of here. Hopefully, we will be sending off a large group (20) of young Swainson’s hawks next week to begin their fall migration to Argentina.

We have admitted plenty of the usual suspects that we regularly see during a normal season filled with babies and hard-working adults: Great horned owls, American Kestrels, Red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks and Barn owls. However, we encountered something different this year: Short-eared owls. Four Short-eared owls to be exact. These shortgrass inhabitants all came to us from an area east of Greeley, CO in a north/south line from near Briggsdale to Kersey, CO. Unfortunately, three of these owls had to be euthanized due to injuries that were far too grave for repair. The upside is that we were able to successfully rehabilitate and release one of the Short-eared owls despite a couple of challenging fractures and a serious wound.

Now our caseload has another interesting twist. Over the last 10 days we have admitted two hatch year Peregrine falcons, one male and one female. The female came from the Eaton, CO area and the male came from Loveland, CO. This tells us that migration has already begun in our region. These falcons are currently recovering from shoulder/wing fractures in our Critical Care room. Stay tuned for updates in the next week or two! MT
https://www.rmrp.org/donate/

08/26/2024

Bring your camera and enjoy a morning photographing our beautiful ambassadors! Featuring 3 to 4 different species, your photo session will allow you to practice your photography skills and enjoy easy access to raptors while learning about responsible wildlife photography. The ambassadors you’ll meet may show a physical disability (such as a wing droop or missing eye) and may be presented on a handler’s glove or perched in a semi-natural setting. This session is geared towards those newer to wildlife photography and/or the general hobbyist. $100/person.⁠
⁠
There are ONLY 10 SPOTS OPEN so register ASAP!⁠
⁠
Register via Link in Bio or: https://www.rmrp.org/photo-session-registration/⁠
⁠
You must supply your photography equipment and knowledge on how to use it. Cell phone photography is not suitable for this opportunity. Closed- toed shoes are required. Minimum age is 10 years old. Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also paying for the session.⁠
⁠
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jessica Miller at 970-484-7756 or [email protected].

08/25/2024

Help us celebrate our July Volunteer of the Month, Kathy! Thank you Kathy for all the work you do on our Education and Outreach Team to care for our Ambassadors, and to spread your spirit for environmental conservation.

08/23/2024

⚡️Factoid Friday⚡️

Some cultures believe that when you see a Cooper's Hawk, it means that you are being watched over, others say hawks are sent as a reminder that you are resilient, and are there to remind you that you can get through anything life throws at you. Once averse to towns and cities, Cooper's Hawks are now fairly common urban and suburban birds. Some studies show their numbers are actually higher in towns than in their natural habitat, forests.

This Cooper's Hawk was a former patient at RMRP.

08/22/2024

This includes raptors like the Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Osprey, and the Mississippi Kite.

Good Day, Friends,

140 million birds are predicted to migrate across the United States tonight!

As birds begin their Fall migration during the month of August, let’s be mindful of the amount of light pollution around us. Turn off any unnecessary outdoor lights during this month, and allow birds to use the stars as their navigation.

If you would like to learn more about their journey, you can visit BirdCast at https://birdcast.info/, a wonderful website that tracks bird migrations across the U.S. This is a fascinating tool for the bird enthusiasts, and anyone interested in their migration.

08/21/2024

Brendan served with the RMRP as a rehabilitation intern. He was a source of joy, laughter, hard work, and compassion. We miss him and will always remember him.

This week marks four years since the loss of Ranger Brendan Unitt during a nighttime rescue call at Horsetooth Reservoir.

We will never forget. We remember Brendan for his commitment to providing safety assistance and emergency response to visitors at Horsetooth Reservoir and for a life dedicated to public service. This week we honor his legacy and service to the citizens of Larimer County. Rest easy, Brendan--and know that you continue to inspire us every day.

08/19/2024

RMRP is looking for a new team member! We are hiring a Director of Education and Outreach! For all details: https://www.rmrp.org/education-outreach-director/

08/17/2024

Join us tomorrow at the Loveland Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park from 9-1! Meet and greet with our Educational Ambassador raptors and enjoy a beautiful morning in Loveland!

08/16/2024

⚡️Factoid Friday⚡️

In some cultures, the appearance of Osprey in your life can indicate an appearance of the spirit in the form of a beacon (like a lighthouse), coming to guide you back to a place of safety or security, or to a feeling of groundedness.

This Osprey was a former patient at RMRP.

08/14/2024

😀Volunteer with us!🙋🏽

We are currently seeking volunteers for our Education & Outreach Team. Volunteers are key players in the RMRP’s ability to provide conservation education about raptors. Inspiring young and old to care about and conserve these magnificent birds is the primary job, and seeing the look of awe on a child’s face when someone sees an owl or hawk up close and in person is very rewarding.

Volunteers assist with husbandry and care for our Educational Ambassador raptors, providing education at events and programs, public speaking, and more. To learn more or to apply, go to Link in Bio or: https://www.rmrp.org/volunteer/volunteering-in-the-education-and-outreach-department/

08/12/2024

Bring your camera and enjoy a morning photographing our beautiful ambassadors! Featuring 3 to 4 different species, your photo session will allow you to practice your photography skills and enjoy easy access to raptors while learning about responsible wildlife photography. The ambassadors you’ll meet may show a physical disability (such as a wing droop or missing eye) and may be presented on a handler’s glove or perched in a semi-natural setting. This session is geared towards those newer to wildlife photography and/or the general hobbyist. $100/person.

There are ONLY 10 SPOTS OPEN so register ASAP!

Register via Link in Bio or: https://www.rmrp.org/photo-session-registration/

You must supply your photography equipment and knowledge on how to use it. Cell phone photography is not suitable for this opportunity. Closed- toed shoes are required. Minimum age is 10 years old. Any child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also paying for the session.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jessica Miller at 970-484-7756 or [email protected].

08/11/2024

It's a beautiful day to visit with the raptors! We're at Loveland Art in the Park from 10 am to 4 pm. Hope to see you here!

08/11/2024

Make a donation AT NO COST to you!

When you register your Kroger/King Soopers/City Market card (any Kroger company rewards card) for Community Rewards, they donate a portion of your purchase to RMRP! Our organization ID is BF841.

See the step-by-step instructions via Link in Bio or: https://www.kingsoopers.com/i/community/community-rewards

08/09/2024

Join us this weekend at Loveland Art in the Park Festival! We'll be there both days from 10-5. Each day will have new Educational Ambassador raptors to meet so stop by twice!

08/09/2024

⚡️Factoid Friday⚡️

Northern Pygmy Owls are widespread in the mountains of western North America, and they're active during the day, which gives you a good chance of finding them. But they're also small and unobtrusive as they sit and wait for prey to approach them, so you'll need to be observant, The best two ways to find them involve your ears: you may hear them giving high, evenly spaced tooting calls. Or you may hear a commotion of chickadees and other small birds scolding and calling as they mob an owl they've discovered.

This Northern Pygmy Owl was a former patient at RMRP.

08/07/2024

Help us fill the freezers for baby raptors like these Great Horned Owls!

These two baby Great Horneds were found in Burns, WY in early April this year after their nest was destroyed in a storm. The young were unable to reunited with their parents, so Wyoming Fish & Game transferred the nestlings to RMRP. Luckily, they were unharmed during their unhousing! With their eyes barely open, these little handfuls of fluff would one day be intimidating Tigers of the Sky. Until then, it was up to us to make sure they grew up strong.

Your support in providing nutritious food is one of the major factors to support young raptors like these growing up at RMRP. These two babies have eating hundreds of mice and rats since they arrived, and they will be with us until late fall.

Our freezers are sadly almost empty and we need to make a HUGE purchase of mice and rats for our 64 patients in house.

If you can help make a donation via Link in Bio or at www.rmrp.org/donate

OR:

You can purchase a gift card directly from our supplier at https://www.rodentpro.com/giftcard/ and send the card to Rehabilitation Associate Carrie Laxson at [email protected].

Thank you to the latest friends who have so generously been a part of this fundraiser: Riley and Sheryl G, Lisa and Gregory B, Jill M, Debra J, Laura M, Sabrina R, Karen and Richard W, Michele W, Phil and Sophie C, and Porter and Erica R.

08/05/2024

🎨SUBMISSIONS OPEN🖌️

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s annual Eggstravaganza is a chance for artists to design and create egg-ceptional artwork. These works of art are auctioned at RMRP’s Annual Gala in February. These eggs have raised thousands to support the mission of RMRP over 12 years.

Entries for the 2025 Gala are open now! Decorated eggs need to be turned in by January 1, 2025.

To start your application, please submit your idea for your egg design using the link: https://www.rmrp.org/eggstravaganza/

Not sure if your design will qualify? Submit it! We’ve had eggs painted, turned into sculptures, carved, creatively broken, encased in metal, dyed, knitted, collaged, turned into air plant holders, and much more! You can view past submissions via the Eggstravaganza Archive: https://www.rmrp.org/eggstavaganza-archive/

08/04/2024

💡Volunteer Spotlight💡

Tony and Karen joined the RMRP in 2016 after seeing us at the Art in the Park exhibit in Loveland. Karen saw Jessica (RMRP Educational Coordinator) handling the Educational Ambassador Red-tailed Hawk and made a B-line across the event grounds to the bird. After hearing about the RMRP she recalls saying “You can volunteer to do this? I want to do this!” As recent retirees, they were both looking for something to do, and this fit the bill.

Happily assisting with putting a new coat of stain on the enclosures, running errands, helping with any work session, and participating in weekly care of the patients undergoing rehabilitation, nothing has been out of bounds for them. Every week they each spend 5 hours providing the TLC the raptors in recovery need. Karen says “It’s always challenging. Each day always brings something new.” They find that the experience here has far outweighed what they had expected of this.

Tony enjoys utilizing the skills he has learned to catch and hold the large raptors for any treatment the licensed staff needs to provide. Over the past 8 years, he has enjoyed watching the college-age volunteers learn the skills to provide care for wildlife. It is important to see them become more confident as they progress in our intern program and know this plays a role in wildlife care for future generations. Karen likes seeing the birds released, finding it “uplifting and exciting”.

In their spare time, they both practice Tai Chi, sometimes while drinking chi tea. Karen, a very talented artist, has memorialized many of her experiences with the raptors in paint. She creates life-like paintings of birds, feathers, and mice, in a variety of mediums which she donates to the RMRP to help with conservation education and fundraising.

This is a couple of superbly awesome volunteers who enrich the RMRP in so many ways.

08/03/2024

We are currently caring for lots of young raptors at RMRP, like this Swainson's Hawk that suffered both a broken wing and broken leg. Patients like these needs LOTS of nutritious food to overcome their injuries and grow up strong to return to the wild. We need to purchase a huge order of food because our freezers are empty!

If you can help raptors like this little injured Swainson's, make a donation at www.rmrp.org/donate

You can also purchase a gift certificate directly from RodentPro at https://www.rodentpro.com/giftcard/ . Send the gift card to our Rehabilitation Associate Carrie Laxson at [email protected].

Thank you to the following donors who have gotten us this far: Judith F, Michael T, Elvira K, Cristine R, Janet C, Ann and Simon T, Megan and Paul M, and Charise M!

08/02/2024

Join us tomorrow afternoon at JAX Outdoors in north Fort Collins for an Educational Ambassador raptor meet and greet! Learn about these amazing raptors and how to spot them locally!

08/02/2024

⚡️Factoid Friday⚡️

Light-morph Ferruginous Hawks have strikingly white underparts and rusty legs that form a V when the bird is soaring. They have rusty underparts with pale heads. Immature light morphs have varying amounts of brown spotting on the belly and legs. Rarer dark-morph individuals are mostly a deep rufous-chocolate.

This dark-morph Ferruginous was a former patient at RMRP.

07/31/2024

Wish List Wednesday: Fill the Freezers!

We need to purchase tons mice and rats for the young and severely sick raptors in our care, as well as our Educational Ambassador raptors. Thanks to the wonderful Valerie T, we have first $500 toward our goal of a $5000 order to keep us going for the next couple of months. Babies like these Barn Owls need the best nutrition possible to grow strong and return to the wild.

You can make a donation directly at www.rmrp.org/donate
OR
You can purchase a gift certificate from RodentPro that we can apply to our order. Please do not order food directly. You can purchase a gift certificate at https://www.rodentpro.com/giftcard/ and have it sent to our Rehabilitation Assistant Carrie Laxson using email [email protected].

07/30/2024

Released!

This charismatic Swainson's hawk got its "Second Chance at Freedom" Monday (7/29) after recovering from a gunshot wound that left it with a broken wing. In all, it spent 3 months recovering from its injuries and regaining its flight strength and stamina.

Birds of prey are protected by law and shooting them is highly illegal. Most of our gunshot cases occur in urban areas, often as a result of backyard livestock conflict or intentional target practice by unscrupulous individuals.

You can help us help our raptor neighbors by reporting illegal or suspicious activities to your nearest CPW office or calling our office (970-484-7756) for humane raptor conflict solutions.

If you would like to donate to this tenacious hawk's care and rehabilitation, visit us at www.rmrp.org/donate to help us cover the cost of its medications, wound care, bandages, food, and lodging!

Check out the comments below to see more pictures of this hawk in rehabilitation.