Rehab & Release
SOAR provides care for well over 300 birds each year that have been injured or orphaned, primarily from western Iowa.
Lake Cornelia female bald eagle
This adult female bald eagle is our first lead toxicity case of the 2018-19 hunting season. Her blood lead level is in the sub-clinical range and this eagle is being monitored for nervous system issues that may appear. Elevated lead levels always have Kay concerned about vision and eye function. Kay says she can definitely
Another release party in the books!
The 2018 SOAR release party was attended by over 150 people (our best guess) this past Sunday, 26 August. This year’s event was held at McFarland Park, just north of Ames, Iowa. McFarland Park is part of the Story County Conservation Board system. The Conservation Center at the park has a beautiful outdoor setting adjacent
Information needed
SOAR is hearing reports about suspected shooting of turkey vultures in Guthrie County, Iowa. It is illegal to hunt, harm, harass, or possess migratory birds, except for a few permitted exceptions. Click to learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. If you know of illegal activity that is or has taken place,
Buffalo gnats and black flies… one in the same!
Believe it or not, the season is still spring even though in the period from 17-31 May 2018 most days recorded temps anywhere from 7 to 20 degrees above normal. Many of those days registered humidity levels above 50 percent. Elevated temps are not easy for all animals to tolerate, cavity-nesting birds can become overheated
Considerations for release location
This question was posed to us after the release of the Farley eagle in April 2018: “I am very curious about how these rehabbed eagles fit back into their previous environment. Are they banded and is there any info?” Does SOAR band birds prior to release? No, SOAR does not have a bird banding permit
Sometimes young birds do need help
SOAR has already admitted several young great horned owls this spring! Yes, it is always best if the raptor parent(s) raise their young. Knowing when to intervene is difficult. Many patients admitted in the spring and even into the summer are still considered nestlings (can also be called hatchlings) and they should still been in
Decorah FAQ
Frequently asked questions (and answers) about bald eagle ambassador Decorah Last updated 6 December 2018; Compiled from the Live Facebook Video celebrating this eagle’s 4th Hatchaversary and additional “conversations” with Decorah, including this #GivingTuesday 2018 video. What happened to Decorah that he is now with SOAR? This bald eagle is from the Decorah, Iowa nest
Avangrid Foundation Supports SOAR
The Avangrid Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life and support sustainable development where the AVANGRID family of companies, including Avangrid Renewables, operates. Renewable energy development, construction and operation produces minimal emissions, requires limited water consumption, and helps combat climate change, resulting in benefits to both humans and wildlife. AVANGRID
Nontoxic ammunition required in Story County Conservation (IA) areas
March 14 — On March 12, 2018, the Story County Conservation Board approved a second reading of revisions to Story County Conservation Rules and Regulations that eliminates the use of lead ammunition for hunting in Story County Conservation owned or managed areas. The Board approved the change, joining both the US Fish and Wildlife Service and
Decorah grows up: You can see it in his feathers!
Bald eagles are a most striking and stately bird. The bright white head and tail can show up along tree lines, roosts, and glisten amidst a dense fog. Even the bald eagle ambassadors at SOAR give us these striking images! Several eagle ambassadors have been at SOAR since they were juveniles and we can see