Raptor rehabilitation, education, and research

Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1999 dedicated to saving our avian resources through raptor rehabilitation, education, and research. SOAR maintains all necessary US Fish & Wildlife Service and Iowa DNR permits to provide the rehabilitation and education.

Rehab & Release

SOAR provides care for well over 300 birds each year that have been injured or orphaned, primarily from western Iowa.

Education

SOAR provides educational programs with non-releasable birds of prey through out Iowa., based on your educational needs and goals.

Research

Data collected helps with ongoing research to improve rehab techniques, prevent future mortality, and to detect threats to wildlife populations.

I found an injured bird! Now what?

Injured and sick birds need specialized diets and fluids. Do not attempt to do this yourself. It is illegal to hunt, harm, or harass — or posses any hawk, eagle, owl, falcon, or vulture — without proper US Fish and Wildlife Service and state-issued permits.

Latest News

If you see something, say something!

SOAR was alerted to a Facebook post where a landowner’s chicken was taken by a hatch-year red-tailed hawk. The original poster asked if a fake owl would keep the chickens…

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Habitat is where it’s at!

Check out this owl habitat! Two hatch-year great horned owls were released near this intersection on 3 August!  

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It’s all about… habitat!

Two adult barred owls were released on Owl Avenue in the Des Moines River Valley on the way to an owl program! Check out this habitat.    

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Decorah FAQ 2023

Frequently asked questions (and answers) about bald eagle ambassador Decorah Can you believe that Decorah is now 9!? Where has time gone? What happened to Decorah that he is now…

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Baby Season 2023

Baby season has been here for over a month! So far in 2023, SOAR has admitted baby great horned owls, baby barred owls, baby screech owls, and baby red-tailed hawks.…

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World Migratory Bird Day

Visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy a day filled with fun bird-related activities for the whole family in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. All activities are…

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Over 20+ years

of helping raptors through rehabilitation, education, and research

SUPPORT SOAR

Your donation supports patient care, care of our education ambassador team, helps provide educational programming, and continue our research efforts. Click the button below!