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.

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