Rehab & Release
SOAR provides care for well over 300 birds each year that have been injured or orphaned, primarily from western Iowa.
Three in Three
Early December 2021 did not start out well. Three adult bald eagles admitted in three days. One bald eagle from Allamakee County was exhibiting symptoms of lead poisoning. This eagle was NOT in good shape, and died en route to SOAR. Thanks to all involved in this eagle’s rescue, care, and transport – you are
Snowy admit
I know we talk about giving raptors space, especially those migrating to spend the winter in Iowa. If you haven’t read our story about giving raptors space, check out this post. That said, sometimes there is reason to approach. This snowy owl admitted on 6 December 2021 is one of those cases. Here’s the backstory
SOAR Year-end 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, we cannot thank you enough for being by our side! Both 2020 and 2021 have been unique times to manage a non-profit that includes animals AND people. Thank you for giving us grace and understanding for our lack of public presence even as our need for support has not
2022 Building Project
Construction of flight / exercise areas for small raptors The core piece of SOAR’s mission is to provide raptor rehabilitation. The final step in a bird’s recovery efforts is to spend time in an appropriate-sized flight enclosure for flight conditioning and strength training. SOAR needs to build two new flight enclosures for our smallest raptors
Give them space
We should all observe good raptor viewing etiquette, not only during the nesting season, but also during migration and the winter months when many raptors will gather together in good hunting areas. SOAR is hearing reports of snowy owls visiting Iowa again this winter. Rough-legged hawks and saw-whet owls have returned to Iowa as well.
Updates – Halloween admits from NW Iowa
Two admits on 31 October 2021 have moved from intensive care to flight pens! Both of these raptors were rescued in Woodbury County, Iowa. The hatch-year female peregrine falcon is making flights to the high perch in her flight pen. The 31 October 2021 rough-legged hawk is also reaching high perches and is making
HY21 bald eagles soft-released
Logistics and timing finally worked and four hatch-year 2021 bald eagles that were all ready for release…. are now flying free.. GoPro and game cameras were placed in the soft release pen. Archery hunted deer carcasses donated as food source were set out as back up food. Urbandale/DH7, Saylor Township/56th Place, Laurel, and Crusher were
Crusher Update
The mid-August juvenile bald eagle admit that was found in a rock and gravel crusher (hence her creative name!) is doing very well! She has graduated from a small room where she could spread her wings and hop up to low perches to the 60′ flight pen. All her toes are in the proper position
Northern Raptors Heading South
SOAR can confirm that many birds of prey that summer in the north country have made it to their winter territories. We know this because this past weekend a saw-whet owl and a rough-legged hawk were rescued in Woodbury County, Iowa, and brought to SOAR. The rough-legged hawk was grounded due to deep bruising of
Clarke rescued **Update
Many thanks to the family that rescued this hatch-year 2021 bald eagle. Unfortunately, we know this eagle was, as we say, HBC or “hit by car.” The rescuing family was in the vehicle that struck this young eagle as he flew straight up out of the ditch. The driver did slow, but still impacted this