Raptor ProgramBirds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, and vultures, have a vital role in our ecosystem. Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor program is focused on the conservation of these birds through statewide raptor education programs, both on- and off-site, including in our raptor woodland refuge.YOUR DONATION TODAY WILL HELP FULFILL OUR MISSION OF RAPTOR CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT THE COST OF FEEDING AND CARING FOR THE RAPTOR AMBASSADORS THAT CALL THE FOREST HOME.DONATE TO the RAPTOR program |
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About Our Work With Raptors
Statewide Raptor Education
Some raptors are unable to fly or hunt due to a variety of factors, or previous injuries, and cannot be released.
Some of these non-releasable birds have joined our roster of educational birds for outreach and education programs. Fontenelle Forest Raptor Education reaches 20,000 people each year during our live raptor programs.
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Raptor Woodland RefugeThirty feet above the forest floor is where we are. This canopy-level exhibit is designed according to the natural habitat of the rescued birds housed within these mews.These are not ordinary enclosures; these are homes. These owls, hawks, falcons and other species are birds of prey that can no longer survive in the wild. But they can provide us with their experiences, so we can know more about this important part of nature. Each visit is its own unique adventure, its own story, its own memory to share. Raptor Woodland Refuge is located at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. Raptor Woodland Refuge is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. |
1. Red-tailed Hawk2. Ferruginous Hawk3. Great Horned Owl |
4. Barn Owl5. Swainson’s Hawk6. Peregrine Falcon |
7. Turkey Vulture8. Ospreys9. Rough-legged Hawk |
10. American Kestrel11. Eastern Screech-Owl12. Barred Owl13. Eagle Mew
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Raptor Stories
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HeliosTurkey Vulture |
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MesaFerruginous Hawk |
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CharlottePeregrine Falcon |
Looking for a unique gift – for a birthday, baby shower, or graduation gift? Sponsor a raptor and your gift also provides support to the Forest! Find a sponsorship that matches someone’s love for birds, and let them know this gift supports the refuge and all of our efforts for raptors. Click Sponsor a Raptor below for more information.
SPONSOR A RAPTOR
Book a Raptor or Critter for an Outreach Program
Want to learn about how your school, organization, or club can invite some Fontenelle Forest raptor education birds or critters to visit? Our trained staff and volunteer presenters are experienced in tailoring presentations to a wide variety of audiences and group sizes.
To find out more information about educational programs, please fill out the form below or call 402-731-3140.
Volunteer with Raptor Education
Volunteers are critical to the success of the Raptor Program, as they are to all aspects of Fontenelle Forest’s mission of conservation and education. We are always looking for volunteers to assist our Raptor Education team.
If you are interested in training to:
- become a docent in the Raptor Woodland Refuge, helping to educate the public about raptor conservation
- assist with raptor education programs
- help clean and maintain the Raptor Woodland Refuge
- utilize your specialized skills in other areas
Please email info@fontenelleforest.org and someone will get back to you shortly about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Today
Found an injured or orphaned raptor (or other wildlife)?
If you have found an injured or orphaned raptor (or other wildlife) learn what the appropriate next steps are by clicking the button below.