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On May 10, 2017, approaching the nesting sight the small group hoped to find the re nested baby still in the cavity with its sibling. Not disappointed, there they were huddled together and in a quiet slumber. Not for long however, an adult had arrived with a meal, a small rodent (mouse or shrew). She stopped short of the nest and landed in a nearby tree. Carefully observing the area and assessing if we were a threat no doubt. When confident we came in peace and obviously knowing we played a part in getting to feed two, not just one, the adult flew to the youngsters. Over the course of short periods of observation and retreats (to give them some space) the group witnessed at least 4 or 5 of these feedings. During one of these we also observed what we wondered was a right of passage or introduction to the real world. What appeared to be the dominate youngster of the pair, strongest and most vocal, was lifted from the cavity by the adult. This was done as gracefully as two birds… more

This morning, Mykala Kinnunen found a little fuzzball under a tree in her yard. Upon investigation she found a baby owl covered in down. She made contact with Soarin' Hawk, put the owl in a box under the tree, weighted the box down with bricks, and left it in the care of her father, David.

for the rest of the story https://www.soarinhawk.org/birds/05172017-eastern-screech-owl

Boy Scout Troop 333 is the best !

The members of Troop 333 worked hard all day May 13th at the Soarin'Hawk Expo 2017.  The troop made nearly 20 Owl Homes & Bat Homes which were purchased by the public. We met this troop back in March after we rescued a raptor at one of the troop member's home. After a successful rescue, they offered their services, asking what they could to do help. 

The Owl & Bat homes help to Conserve and Protect the Raptor & Bat population of Indiana.  Raptors & Bats play and integral role in maintaining the natural balance in the population of rodents and insects. Raptors are a natural way to control rodent population, Bats are natural way to control insect population. By placing these homes through the county, we help restore the balance.

We thank Troop 333 for their committment and service to Nature, Conservation and the Community

Soarin' Hawk

On May 3rd, 2017, Soarin' Hawk lost our beloved Peregrine Falcon, Nancy.  She died peacefully in her pen.

Nancy came to Soarin' Hawk Dec. 1st, 2012, from another rehabber, and was added to our permit in 2014.  She was non-releasable due to a broken wing that could not be repaired.

Nancy was a very nervous bird when she first came to us.  She would shake and run from anyone who entered her pen.  She became less nervous over the years, by animal caretakers being very patient with her when they entered her pen, and by slowly training her to step up on a glove for food. She had to maintain her control over us, however, by always having her own routine.  She would not let anyone perch her or feed her unless she was on just the right place on her perch. She would run back and forth on her perch, and then stop at the end of her perch where she was willing to step up on the glove and accept food.  Everyone knew her routine eventually, and she became more comfortable… more

On Sunday May 7 we rescued two baby raptors who lost their nest & tree.  On Monday our  volunteers and the homeowners constructed a nesting platform in the woods near their fallen tree.  Being our first 'man made nest' project, it took most of the day.  Many lessons were learned and we are much better prepared the next time the call 'fallen nest tree' comes in.

For the rest of the story ...

April 27, 2017

What doesn't kill me makes me stronger!

My thoughts as I looked for the reintroduced Great Horned youngster Thursday morning after having severe thunderstorms with 60 mph winds last night, would I find a ball of feathers?   A thorough search of the tree from yesterday and the nearby area and trees, I was not having any luck in finding it. Then the familiar call of crows, nature’s locator, approximately 100 yards from yesterday’s location and in the top of the tallest oak tree, some 125 feet, was the youngster being harassed by a horde of crows. In the midst of the mêlée, a cooper’s hawk appeared. What was of concern in this ruckus was unclear to me. Was it defending a nest from the owls, the crows or just did it just want to be in on a good fight? And with all of this commotion, appears the adult owl who was sitting with all of its fine camouflage in the same tree after all. Having had enough, mother owl begins to chase all other species. With an… more

Orion is one of our resident education birds who is being trained to free-fly at education events.  While we are not sure if Dick is training Orion or Orion is training Dick, this dynamic duo works well together. Developing this relationship takes dedication. Dick works with Orion nearly every day, all year long.

Lead hunting ammunition appears to be the biggest cause of of eagle lead poisonings.

Veterinarian Dr. Pat Funnell, left, who is president of Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center, stands with center volunteer Bridgette McCue, who holds Jefferson, an American bald eagle. Jefferson was injured after coming in contact with power lines and now is part of Soarin' Hawk education programs. But the nonprofit group recently couldn't save an eagle brought to it with lead poisoning caused by accidentally eating a shotgun pellet. (By Kevin Kilbane of The News-Sentinel)

For the full story go to The News Sentinel

"Randy" a Great Horned Owl rescued in early February returns home to Fairmont IN after being treated for his injuries at Soarin' Hawk Raptor Rehab.

Check out the rest of Randy's story and photos at 02012017 Great Horned Owl

Blood Lead Testing System.

Thanks to YOU our followers and donors who responded to our call for help on FaceBook, Soarin’ Hawk now owns a LeadCare II Blood Lead Testing System which enables us to test the level of lead in raptor blood samples, in less than 10 minutes.  Versus the 5 days it takes if we have to send samples to an outside testing laboratory.  The quicker we diagnose, the quicker we can start treatment. 

The LeadCare II manufactured by Magellan Diagnostics is a state-of-the-art Point-of-Care testing system.  We are lucky to own one.

Thank you !

We are very saddened to report that the adult bald eagle suffering from lead poisoning died yesterday. He fought valiantly. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to provide the twice daily treatment.  All of you were rooting for him and for us and we deeply appreciate it.  

While I am extremely disappointed we could not save him, we learned a lot. And thanks to many of you, raised money for a blood level lead analyzer that will enable us to get quicker results and hopefully produce a better outcome in the future.  On necropsy, we did find the very small piece of lead that ultimately took our beautiful eagle's life.  Unfortunately it takes very little lead to kill them.

Here are two good articles to read- one on eagles with lead poisoning from the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota that will give you an idea of the broad problem of lead poisoning in eagles. The second article is about the source of the lead that poisons them.  Please feel free to share these… more

Birds of Prey rely on expert flight skills to hunt successfully.  After surgery, several weeks or months of physical therapy is necessary before the bird is able to successfully hunt again.  Step 1 is returning full motion after surgery.  Be sure to watch the video on how physical therapy is performed. Step 2 will be exercise to regain strength. 

Check out the videos on the status page for  01102017 Great Horned Owl and  01152017-barred-owl and  02142017-coopers-hawk

The American Association of University Women, Fort Wayne Chapter has graciously provided funds to Soarin’Hawk for the purchase of a microscope.  The microscope will allow us to expand our educational activities, as well as support the medical care of the many raptors that we rescue/treat/care for/release each year.  For more about AAUW please go to the national http://www.aauw.org  and local chapter http://aauwfortwayne.org websites

THE GREAT "ESCAPE" HORNED OWL

Standing on the side of the pathway, the Great Horned Owl had somehow sustained a fractured left humerus. So with the help of the powerful healer, she was subdued and the healer tended to her wounds. She was transported to a locked chamber to mend. I was tasked with bringing her food, water, and medicine after the sun had set. She vowed to me that my life would end and she would escape these chambers. 

Every evening I would prepare her meal as well as prepare myself for battle. I equipped my Kevlar gloves and my towel that was my shield. I crept down the corridor but she would hear me coming. She would hiss and clack and upon reaching her chambers she would throw herself against the door. Reminding me of her vow. 

After building up enough courage, I would open the locked chamber door and swiftly go in to leave her meal. I would rush out quickly as she was on my heels lunging, hissing, hooting, and clacking.  Relieved that… more