|
 Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program!
RMRP rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured birds of prey, including Eagles, Owls, Hawks and Falcons; and through its comprehensive Environmental Education program, teaches the importance of preserving wildlife and wild places for future generations.
The Raptor Program works closely with the veterinarians at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Medical Center, and has consulted with them on nearly 4,500 raptor cases since the program started as a student club in 1979.
RMRP averages one admission and several injured raptor calls each day, and more than 70% of treatable raptors are released for A Second Chance At Freedom.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
332 is RMRP’s new injured raptor admission benchmark, reached on December 28, 2009 when a Golden Eagle was found on the ground east of Nunn, Colorado with a fractured femur and head trauma. 68 more raptors were admitted in 2009 compared to 2008, a 26% increase in just one year.
The admission year began with an emaciated Great Horned Owl from Loveland on January 4, 2009, and the pace just never slowed, leading to the busiest year in our 31-year history. The old record of 264 was broken on September 15, 2009 when we admitted an emaciated Red-tailed Hawk from Berthoud, Colorado.
Lots of rain created favorable conditions for a large prey base, which supported a much higher number of young birds than a typical breeding season. So more immature birds survived than might in a normal year. Meanwhile storms pummeled the area, destroying many nests; then the intense heat came and we saw many dehydrated and emaciated birds. There were also far fewer "euthanized on arrival" birds. More 2009 admissions had a chance at recovery, which was great news, but caused our costs to soar.
And once again, West Nile Virus (WNV) reared its ugly head; this time manifesting in eye abnormalities. WNV birds require 2-3 hours per day of 1:1 hands-on medical care, tease-feeding and plenty of fluids, good food and medications to build their immune systems.
With other raptor centers in the area closing, our service area grew to nearly 300,000 square miles – and now includes northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, and western Nebraska – an area larger than the state of Texas.
We were thrilled when the increased number of admissions translated into a record number of releases as scores of raptors recovered and received A Second Chance At Freedom.
Keep watching our website for a complete recount of all 332 admissions, and the amazing efforts that led to more than 70% of the treatable birds being released.
I’ll Help RMRP Continue Saving Lives |
|
 During the recent holidays, several area merchants hosted our “Giving Trees” program. Holiday trees displayed ornaments of our Educational Ambassador raptors on one side, and the other side was a wish list of things RMRP needs to conduct its lifesaving work.
RMRP thanks the following merchants and asks that you show them your support and thank them for their kindness to the Raptor Program:
- Avenues Pet Clinic
- Back Porch Restaurant
- Bath Nursery
- Cheyenne Pet Clinic
- Colorado Division of Wildlife - Northeast Regional Office
- Downtown Ace Hardware
- Dr. Robin Downing, DVM
- Eclipz Salon
- Jax Farm and Ranch
- Kohl's
- Paws N’ Claws
- Pet Wellness Center
- Poudre Valley Coop
- Red Wing Shoes
- The Dog Club
- Tracey Jenson’s Vet Clinic
- Vet Centers Of America
- Vetline
- Wellington Vet Clinic
- Wild Birds Unlimited
- Worthington Animal Clinic
|
|
 Top 10 Most Needed Items To Help The Raptor Program Perform Its Lifesaving Work:
- Postage Stamps: flats or rolls, forever or any denomination
- Rodent Pro Gift Certificates (Click to go directly to their website)
- Toner Cartridges: HP CC530, CC531, CC532, CC533; HP Q6511X (Click on each cartridge name for the best online price)
- Snuggle Safe Warming Discs (Click for best online price, also sold at pet stores)
- Gift Cards: Wal-Mart, Jax, Home Improvement, Grocery, and Gasoline (for almost daily traveling to education programs, transporting raptors, and public presentations)
- Paper Products: Copier/Printer Paper, Reams or Cases; Envelopes: Business (#10), Return (#9), 10x13, 9x12; Trash Bags: tall kitchen and large black; Paper Towels; Kleenex
- Soap: Unscented Liquid Laundry Detergent; Liquid Hand and Dish Soap, not “antibacterial”
- A Walk-In Freezer: (to keep all the mice and rats frigid until needed)
- Auto Mechanical Services Gift Certificate
- Postage Stamps, they're so needed, they're on the list twice!
|
|
In our 31-year history, we can honestly say there has never been another year like 2009.
With an exploding caseload came an aftershock of expenses. Active rehabilitation cases reached new highs, and costs for everything skyrocketed. Our pleas for support were met with unprecedented generosity. By year’s end, and with the generosity of nearly 2,000 donors, we’d dug out of the hole, paid our bills, and were still open for business.
With the new year comes the challenge to do it all over again. Thankfully, 2010 admissions are trailing the torrid 2009 pace. What will happen this year remains to be seen. But we are humbled and grateful for your belief in our efforts because without your support, there would be no RMRP, no safe haven for these wounded warriors, and no oohs and aahs from schoolchildren who come eye-to-eye with an eagle, owl or hawk for the first time.
Because of you, we exist; we can offer these amazing creatures another chance at freedom, and offer people the chance to learn why their actions matter.
We thank you for your belief in us and plan to continue to earn your trust so that your confidence in us remains strong! |
|
 For the second year, Burning Hawk Wines will donate 10% of February and March Sales to support the important work of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Many RMRP members have enjoyed this wine and can attest to its flavor and value. We encourage you to do the same and order your year's supply of Burning Hawk wines, knowing that each sip will support the RMRP! Check out their expanded lineup of new wines.
Burning Hawk Wines has been an inspirational supporter of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. This small wine brand was created after the founder, Nick Papadopoulos read a 2008 article titled "Burning Hawk Starts Vineyard Fire" about a red-tailed hawk which was electrocuted in power lines and in turn caused a small fire in a grape vineyard in the Chalk Hill region of Sonoma County, California. Soon after Burning Hawk wines took flight to raise awareness and funds for bird and wildlife conservation efforts and over the last year and a half has provided instrumental support to many organizations, including the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.
Burning Hawk Wines has also made a substantial donation of wine and items for our annual fundraising Gala on February 20th. We thank Burning Hawk Wines for their dedication to raptor preservation and for their support of RMRP! |
|
One of Fort Collins’ premiere events, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s Gala Dinner and Benefit Auction, will be held on February 20th at the Fort Collins Hilton at 5pm.