**Updates – 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 –
A mid-December update: this eagle is in the 100′ flight pen, but is not yet showing effortless flight. The worry is that the old fracture in the left wing is not allowing for full extension of that wing. This eagle will continue to be monitored. On 7 August 2021, a concerned citizen in Crawford County
An adult and a hatch-year 2021 bald eagles completed their recovery and were released at SOAR on 22 December 2021! The adult bald eagle rescued in Des Moines near Halloween that had elevated lead levels. This female was given supportive care and time to build back her strength. The youngster was transferred to SOAR from
SOAR admitted a snowy owl on 20 December and a great horned owl on 22 December 2021. These owls have good and bad similarities. Both owls were rescued by two different county’s conservation staff members. Yeah, we so appreciate our many county conservation partners here in Iowa. If you’re not from Iowa, you can click
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
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
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
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
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
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