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We Have Been Robbed!!!        

The RMRP has stolen thousands of dollars using our license plates as a reward for their members. They have not been reasonable or responsible in their responses, and now we are compelled to take them to federal court to preserve our rights.  This has impacted us tremendously!  Help us reverse this injustice.

May 26, 2010- Denver, Colorado:  Today our attorneys filed a federal law suit against the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP), which has been stealing proceeds from our license plate program by violating  federal copyright laws and state trademark rights.  The RMRP accomplished this with the help of an unethical,  devious, and cowardly politician, Randy Fischer (Democrat).  For the past 6 months our attorneys have been attempting to  get this politician to reverse his unconstitutional actions, but he and the raptor organization have done nothing except stall.  They won't even give our attorneys the courtesy of returning e-mails and phone calls.  The Colorado Attorney General's office told us that Fischer's ego is preventing any rational solution. See our open letter to Randy Fischer and help us stop this corruption and theft. Read the first response from an honest "public servant".  More Letters The Coloradoan from Ft. Collins reports on Fischer's chicanery.

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Confused by Colors? Puzzled by Plumages?  

Sign up for the Raptor Education Foundation's Raptor ID Class!  In collaboration with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, the Raptor Education Foundation (REF) is conducting a Raptor  ID class at its facility on Tuesday, October 19, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.  Come see their raptor collection up close, with the chance to view over a dozen Colorado species side-by-side.  Meet other bird enthusiasts and learn ID tips from REF’s Curator of Raptors, Anne Price, and her highly-trained docent staff. A tour of the REF facility, or “mews” will conclude the session. Morning refreshments will be served.  The class will be held at REF’s Brighton facility. The fee is $40 and includes class materials.  Space is limited to twenty participants and is filling up quickly. Please contact Rhonda at the ASGD office at (303) 973-9530, or e-mail info@denveraudubon.org.

September 1, 2010: This workshop sold out very quickly in August...see below.  Remember, only 20 people accepted for this new and improved version of our first course.  This course feature's REF's living field guides. If raptors are your cuppa  tea...then join us. Don't wait- use the Audubon link provided.

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POTUS  Caught Testing Climate Change Security Device     

August 30th:Gulf Coast Testing Laboratories- The great and glorious BHO despite his most magnificent accomplishments has once again stunned his Science Czar with this new prototype that promises to protect citizens from the effects of acid rain and/or AGW ultraviolet exposure at the same time!  WOW!! FLOTUS, however, is skeptical of the claims POTUS posits on his miraculous device. What a country! The Dumb-brella: thanks to  James Hudnall   Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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Schools Lying To Students and Parents     

Shocking!  The top educational bureaucrat from the current administration, Arne Duncan,  admits the obvious, but cannot add one and one and come up with the logical answer.  Yes, the government monopoly school system is dumbing down their clients and their customers.  The students are the clients and their parents are the customers. We've addressed the shortcomings and solutions with America's educational process for 3 decades as have other organizations and individuals.  Maybe it is finally making an impact?  Do you think they will actually take a lesson here? Just click...

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Flame Proof Bald Eagles?  

Researchers testing blood of some bald eagle nestlings in Michigan have discovered some disconcerting news.  The baby eagles are contaminated with pesticides and flame retardants.  The Great Lakes have been seeing a slow improvement in their water quality, however, this research points to a disturbing trend.  Once again, raptors are acting as "canaries" in our ecosystem. The eagles are obviously magnifying toxins coming into their food supply from the surrounding area.  Just click...

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Record Non-Stop Flight: 11,000 Kilometers  

After 8 days in the air this little avian flyer has confounded everyone trying to explain how this is possible. The bar-tailed godwit stays aloft in its migration from Alaska to New Zealand all that time without stopping to eat or rest.  Talk about aerobic exercise! Just click...
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Elk Herds Reclaim Strip Mines!  

You could be excused  from thinking that large elk herds are found only in the Rocky Mountain states.  Isn't that what the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is all about? Well, not really.  The Elk Foundation has been working with coal mining operations as they reclaim their abandoned mines, and the results are startling to anyone driving through eastern states like Kentucky.  Reintroduced elk have adjusted to their new homes with such zeal that their population in one area of Kentucky has reached 10,000 animals. Read about this success story...Just Click...

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Soldier Steals Rare Raptor Eggs  

English authorities tipped to some strange behavior have arrested an ex-military adventurer smuggling peregrine falcon eggs from the UK to Dubai.  In Dubai, the eggs would have fetched him a handsome sum, but his reward shall be in England where he will earn a fair stretch. Thanks to Laura for alerting us to this  story. Just click...

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Collaborative Success!   

August 17th: Brighton, Colorado-Our second collaborative seminar with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver (ASGD) was a sell-out. 20 people participated in our half day seminar featuring 24 species in our live raptor ID course.  This follows our avian anatomy course of a few months ago. Next course: October 19th. REF's curator, Anne Price, took course participants into a detailed examination of raptor identification buttressed with our living raptor collection. Anne is pictured with our brand new acquisition, the White Tailed Hawk.  Our living feathered field guides made the printed field guides that much easier to understand. "I attended the raptor identification course yesterday. I want to thank all the volunteers and Anne Price for making this course very special. My friend and I thought it was great. We loved the dedication of the staff, the awesome birds, and Anne's passion for the birds. She is obviously extremely knowledgeable. The only suggestions I have for future courses is to provide more shade, try to not run over the stated time the course is suppose to end, and perhaps provide a backdrop behind the birds which blocks the windows so my pictures look better. :>) Thanks again for a memorable day."

REF's male Turkey Vulture enjoyed the close attention by this decidedly biased audience.   Because of space limitations (outdoor classroom) we kept participation to 20, and ASGD reported a waiting list developed quickly after our e-mail advertising.  Judging by  the very positive response, we are planning another course in October.  Stay tuned as we announce the date.  Thanks to all our participants for making this collaboration a great success.  We will incorporate changes to make the course even better as suggestions come in from all the participants.  Beginning or advanced birders who haven't had the chance for REF's raptor experience are missing an opportunity that can't be readily duplicated. "Thank you so much, Anne, for the wonderful program that you and your staff conducted on Tuesday.  It was one of the most exciting and informative classes I have had since I started birding.  I was very impressed with the care and attention given to each of the raptors and with all the work that has been done to create suitable living spaces for them.  Congratulations on a job well done!"

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Opportunity Meeting Talent = Brilliance!  Or,  The Art of Raptor Rodeo.  

	Opportunity Seized The technology available to photographers improves almost daily it seems.  New autofocus lenses coupled with great optics improve the chances that your photos will get better.  However, exceptional wildlife photography depends on a lot more. Kevin Docholiday illustrates what is really indispensable to capturing superb wildlife images.  Kevin was at a baseball gathering in Wray, Colorado, and in between games he was paying attention to the skies around him. These remarkable images between a Western Kingbird and a Great-horned owl were captured begging the question...did avian rodeos actually give birth to the Homo sapiens variety?
	Kingbirds are aggressive open country flycatchers and this one was  obviously unimpressed with the vastly larger and more powerful Bubo who made the mistake of flying through the flycatcher's territory.
	Note: 08/18/2010-As a result of Kevin's continued submissions of some spectacular raptor photos, we have received his permission to create a special section of his raptor images.  It will be called Raptor Holidays by Docholiday celebrating the sense of adventure and beauty Kevin's pictures convey...almost like taking a little birding holiday right from your home or office.  Stay tuned as we create Raptor Holidays.   Aerial landings of this type equate with fighter pilots landing their jets on aircraft carriers in pitching seas. 30th Anniversary Savings  for our exclusive license plates:$19.95 Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.
	This Kingbird seems to be an old hand at Bubo back landing techniques...
	The Bubo appears resigned to being landed on.  Maybe this is simply an avian taxi service?  Has anyone seen this before? We met Kevin a few years ago at the Plains Conservation Center.  He was busy shooting pictures of our birds and indicated he was just a beginning photographer. It's quite obvious from these fantastic images that Kevin is a gifted student and making the most of any opportunity he encounters with his eagle eye, his cameras, and his talents. Visit Kevin at www.docholidayphotography.com KUDOS TO KEVIN! 30th Anniversary Savings  for our exclusive license plates:$19.95

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The Wolves Are Coming, The Wolves Are Coming...     

The wolf introduction programs across part of the Rocky Mountain States have gone along without much reporting on the pros and cons of bringing back these large predators.  A little investigation on our part, after a member alerted us to some serious questions of the official story, has turned up some remarkable but unsurprising manipulations of the science behind the scheme.  Both private environmental groups and government agencies are revealed  to be in consort.  The under-reported increase in wolf numbers across the western states where the program has been initiated is revealing some startling problems.  One of the outcomes, if all things continue as data is showing, will be the significant drop of ungulate populations which will cause a dramatic decrease in human hunting opportunities and the related income to state game management departments.  Colorado's Division of Wildlife is already seeing revenue declines due to the current economic debacle, and any precipitous drop of its famous elk herds will further damage revenue flows.  Let's remember, that human hunters support conservation efforts more than any other group, and  increasing wolf populations may kill the goose laying the golden eggs funding these conservation programs.  Just click...

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Vail Visitors Raptor Rendezvous 2010  

	July10, 2010-Vail, Colorado: At the base of the Eagle Bahn gondola, we began our summer of Raptor Rendezvous with the visitors coming to Vail.  Our new location provided strong crowds with lots of interest. Front range visitors joined guests from Argentina, Russia, Mexico, and numerous American states to discover the world of raptors up close and in person. Although we experienced a rain delay in getting our display set-up, by the time the fast moving cell cleared the area, over a 100 visitors had gathered to see the first presentation. For those of you who missed us, we will be returning every Saturday until August 14th with shows beginning at 3:00pm until 5:00pm.
	Their faces, of course, continue to tell our story better than mere words can ever convey.  Large audiences gathered for each presentation, and as you see, our Peregrine Falcon's story enraptured  many of the children that were present. Our Golden Eagle, below, was an overwhelming tour-de-force for everyone. 30th Anniversary Savings  for our exclusive license plates:$19.95 Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.
	REF's 29 year old female golden eagle has been appearing at Vail and Beaver Creek venues for over a decade.  Her 6 foot wingspan  takes your breath away.
	July 15th: REF's  Vail Nature Center programs featured up-close free flight segments with our Harris' Hawk. The Camp Eco-Fun participants got an hour of very special programming and experiential learning with experiences like these which are not quickly forgotten...more developing. 30th Anniversary Savings  for our exclusive license plates:$19.95
	Magic moments are what Camp Eco-Fun is all about. Our Eastern Screech Owl never fails to enrapture one and all.
	And their faces continue to tell our story...every time.
	July 23rd: Crowds gather as we begin another appearance with a new compliment of raptors.  Our newly acquired Northern Caracara mystified most who had never seen this member of the falcon family. Our location at the base of the Eagle Bahn gondola is now a gathering place for raptorphiles every Saturday beginning at 3:00pm.
	Our newly acquired White-tailed Hawk, Buteo albicaudatus, was admired by all who came to see this rare American raptor. Rare, only because its northern most reaches are on the southern Texas coastal plain, however, as you will see from the distribution map (link above), this exquisite Buteo is found all the way south into Argentina. Many thanks to all of our sponsors including the Vail Recreation District, the Lionshead Merchant Association, and the Vail Nature Center. The latter hosted special flying  programs beginning on July 14th for their summer camp visitors...see above.   Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

Osprey Dilemma  

July 10th UPDATE:"I have some great news!  I was up on the scaffolding this morning and was able to observe all 3 young and I am happy to report that the offending twine seems to have somehow come off the wing.  Yea!  It looked pretty well wrapped but...  They all had a good breakfast and all is well." reports Peter Harlove. July 4, 2010-Colorado: Photographer, Peter Hartlove, has been watching an osprey nest on an artificial platform  for a couple of  years. The pair has been very successful with three young this year, however, as is common to this species,  parents will often bring many strange things back to the nest.  Unfortunately, one of those things has now caused a dangerous dilemma for one of the youngsters. The arrow clearly indicates a length of bailing twine that has become wrapped around the wing.  At the time of the photos, the twine was somewhat loosely wrapped, however, that can change suddenly.  A variety of very serious conditions can result from this situation, but going in to remedy the problem can cause the youngsters to jump out of the nest, and since they are not yet flighted, the 40 foot fall could cause worse problems.

After conferring with Mr. Hartlove, we advised waiting and watching.  We then followed up to notify the Colorado Division of Wildlife and apprised them of the situation.  They concurred with our appraisal. The closer the youngsters get to fledging, the less serious will be the consequences if somebody has to deal with an emergency issue related to the twine. The nesting platform was placed by a farmer on his land, and has been producing osprey offspring immediately.  The farmer watches his family very carefully and has permitted Mr. Hartlove to record the nesting activities for several years. Kudos to the farmer who had the initiative to get this family nesting on his property, and to Peter Hartlove for being there to record this osprey family. Peter's website has some stunning images for all to see. Hartlove Photography Capturing the Awe of Nature Both Above and Below the Water http://www.hartlovephotography.com/

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Drop In Visitors

“Famous Falconer Friends”   REF Curator of Raptors Anne Price was pleased to give a tour of our new facilities to two of Colorado’s most experienced falconers.  Pictured with Anne are former NAFA Director at Large , and Colorado Hawking Club Honorary Lifetime Member Ken Mesch, far left. Next to Ken is and falconer, bird bander , and breeder Chris Curts. Chris  was Anne’s falconry sponsor many (MANY!) years ago. The falconry licensing system requires that a new apprentice falconer be sponsored under the tutelage of a master falconer (someone who has been licensed for at least 8 years)  for his or her first two years.

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Annual PRIDEfest Display  

June 19 & 20th Denver, CO:  With another successful appearance at Denver's  annual PrideFest, we welcome our new members.  Thanks to everyone who visited our display located in the family activity area. Cooler weather on both days really helped everyone enjoy all the activities and the fantastic parade on Sunday. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to our ongoing operations with their donations, membership purchases, and volunteer enquiries.

Many people visited our display, and many had cameras.  However, few of those with cameras probably captured anything approaching this exquisite composition with our male golden eagle and REF's banner featuring the first bald eagle we ever cared for, Liberty. Professional photographer, Steve Crecelius, spent some time at our display.  He gave us a quick peek at what he was capturing, and it's quite obvious, Steve has an eagle eye.  Link to Steve's website here.  These days, anyone with a digital camera can record  images, but only those with a keen and creative eye will capture what Steve did here. Beautiful!! Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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Storm Cells Slam Our Facility  

June 12, 2010 Brighton, CO: Yesterday and today a series of severe storm cells passed directly over our facility.  On Friday, a massive amount of hail and rain hit us while tornado sirens pierced the thunder.  Over 18" of pea-sized hail piled up in places. Some of our gravel base was washed out, but the worst damage occurred to our newly hung sun shades.  The previous week had seen temperatures approaching 100 degrees (F) and the newly placed silver tarps created excellent shade pools. A recent multi-thousand dollar improvement strengthened some weak spots in our new facility's roofing/containment areas.  This certainly helped bear and deflect the massive hail loading.  Fortunately, no birds were hurt, and Saturday and Sunday (despite continued rain and cold temps) we managed to repair all the tarps and netting.  We are assuming that as the first day of summer approaches, the sun will indeed return to the eastern plains of Colorado and dry things out. One of our access roads is closed due to flooding just a few hundred yards west of our main gate.  The standing water will now threaten the area with excellent breeding opportunities for West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes.  Fortunately, we had just finishing the first round of vaccinations for the coming season...see photo below.

NOTE: callers need to be patient.  The heavy rains have flooded our voice and data lines coming into our facility and connections are terrible.  Send e-mails, which are still getting through relatively unaffected.   THANK YOU, to Dr. Alison Hazel, DVM, who is shown here vaccinating our 20 year old male bald eagle.  Dr. Hazel generously donated her time again this year to vaccinate our 30 raptors, and has quite a bit of experience with raptors and other birds. She also volunteers at area banding stations during the fall and spring. Thanks doc! Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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Gulf Jihad  

If you want a comprehensive look at the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, then we highly recommend you spend some time reading the article from Rolling Stone Magazine we have linked to.  One of the best dissections of the epic tragedy created by both corporate and governmental incompetence, corruption, and general sleaze to be found anywhere to date."People are being really circumspect, not pointing the finger at Salazar and Obama," says Rep. Raul Grijalva, who oversees the Interior Department as chair of the House subcommittee on public lands. "But the troublesome point is, the administration knew that it had this rot in the middle of the process on offshore drilling – yet it empowered an already discredited, disgraced agency to essentially be in charge."  It is as if  the entire scenario had been orchestrated by Islamic radicals  in the rat holes of Pakistan.  If you are deluded about the current occupier of the White House's role in all of this, then don't read on or, Just click...

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Prince Charles Gone Crackers  

Royalty in the United Kingdom certainly has its privileges.  Besides the cash for being in the royal  gene pool, you get a ready audience for any stupid fancy you might wish to spout off about.  Now the bonnie prince is telling anyone who will listen that the "Islamic" way of life will solve all the world's environmental problems.  Did the fanciful prince ever think to ask the various women of the world living under the benevolent blessings of  Islam what they think of his royal effluence?  How peaceful and eco-friendly is it for the Prophet to marry a six-year old girl and then wait until she was nine to consummate the marriage?  Sharia law is to live under the whim and wham and whip of Allah's will.  Maybe the royal rube will change his Christianity to the great Islamic rule book?  Just click...

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The Gulf of Incompetence  

As the gulf coast waters slowly choke and die from the black ooze pouring into the Gulf of Mexico, more and more of the failures of both government and industry are becoming apparent.  But few have asked the obvious questions as to why we are drilling at such dangerous and un-manageable depths when much safer locations are readily available.  Just click...  And click again...  Meanwhile, the Beta Male occupier of The White House, is so obviously incapable of organizing a community of engineers or problem solvers to deal with the spewing banner marking the limits of our technological skills, that he resorts to the tried and true tactics of the neighborhood bully...looking to kick some ass.  Mother Nature is kicking back and the target is the Ass-In-Chief.

Looking For Ass to Kick.

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Memorial Day 2010

It should be the duty of every citizen of this great land to focus their thoughts, at least briefly, on how their individual rights and freedoms are ultimately protected from enemies within and without.  Being a free society, however, means that the duty I refer to is a voluntary one.  And so during this Memorial Day weekend of festivities, we acknowledge the great debt all of us have to those men and women who have volunteered their services in the military, and in some cases given their lives to protect our constitutional rights of life and liberty in the pursuit of what makes us as individuals happy. Those warriors we speak of, who have given that last full measure of devotion to those principles exemplified in our constitution, have earned more than just this day to acknowledge them.  Those of us who have benefited from their sacrifices should read again the words of Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC:

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.  It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.  It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.  It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows protesters to burn the flag."

And ultimately, it is the soldier, the law enforcement officer who protects our nation's patrimony.  We salute you for your service. 

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Fishing Eagles Out of The Air!  

My how times have changed. Magazine archives show us how some clever fellows thought they could get rid of those pesky eagles by constructing nets across the sky!  Yep, you are reading this right.  But in those days they also advocated shooting bald eagles to get 50 cent bounties on their talons.  Take a look a these amazing sky fishing nets....thank goodness some Homo sapiens don't get their way.  Just click...

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A Conspiracy of Physics  

The sad reality of the green movement is that they have no knowledge of physics.  If they did, they would hate the math which constantly reminds anyone that regardless of their ideological desires for a grand peaceful green world, the energy required to keep things humming, simply cannot come (in sufficient quantity)  from windmills, solar, or other alternative clean forms of energy to turf hydrocarbons anytime soon.  Just click...

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Do Those Owl Decoys Work?  

If you have ever wondered if the plastic great-horned owl decoys that cost from about $20 to $40 have any positive affect on scaring pigeons...here's your answer. We have seen this type of scenario in many different areas. Pigeons aren't stupid, and quickly figure out they decoy is dead!  Don't waste your money.

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Raving About Red-tails!

Our beautiful new Red-tailed hawk pins are now available for the serious pin collector or anyone who loves this Buteo.  Buteo jamaicensis, has been precisely sculpted and cast in fine pewter (bottom), then gold plated (14ct) or exquisitely hand-painted by George Harris. Just click...   Prices range from $8-$26 and includes shipping and handling to anywhere in the continental U.S.A. Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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Who Pays For Conservation?     

The reality of who pays for all the benefits provided to conserving the environment and the creatures inhabiting same, is enumerated precisely in the following article.  Again, don't be surprised, it is not the "birder" or "hiker" or "kayaker" or any of the other myriad of folks who benefit that pay for the environment they use.  It is only one group that foots the majority of the conservation bill, and that group is declining in numbers.  And the reality does not favor those who are "Earth Dayers."  Just click...

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The Carbon Con Continuing     

Despite enormous amounts of hard facts about the confidence hucksters promoting  the faulty theory of  AGW, the hucksters continue to promote the lie.  The American government is leading the charge with its absurd declaration that carbon dioxide is a toxic gas needing regulatory control by the EPA.  Carbon dioxide, for those of you with no science comprehension, is the gas that plants utilize as fertilizer while producing oxygen for the rest of us to consume to fire our metabolic furnaces. Oxygen breathers cannot live without carbon dioxide. Full stop!  Now, some bureaucratic monoculture directed by watermelonistas, will decide just how how much carbon dioxide is good for the rest of us?  If that isn't anthropogenic global tyranny, then nothing is.  Just click...

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Perilous Sexual Plunge     

A pair of Alaskan bald eagles going through the amorous and dangerous talon grapple plunge to the earth suffered a crash when their hormones overpowered their altimeter judgment.  You cannot defy sexual gravitas. Just click...

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E-Bird

Whether you are a professional birder, ornithologist, causal observer, "twitcher", or just somebody who loves our flying dinosaurs, you should be aware of one of the great sites on the internet: E-Bird.  Just click...

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Eagle Slaughter Continues     

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Master Birder Class

March 8, 2010: Littleton, CO: Audubon Society of Greater Denver's  Master Birder Class enjoyed a 2 hr presentation by REF's Curator, Anne Price on bird physiology. The featured birds, of course, were raptors.  And the twenty class participants got to inspect, discuss, and dissect examples of what makes a bird unique in the animal world.  The dissection was performed on a non-raptor species, while everything else included raptor feathers, eggs, and a live Harris' Hawk model who patiently preened and squawked in front of the admiring Homo sapiens. The two hour course was a condensed version of  the physiology class taught during REF's 16 hour Docent training classes. Topics included bird evolution, and avian anatomy and physiology. Denver Audubon and REF are looking to continue this program later in the year at REF's facility to include a full half day program, followed by some field work at nearby Barr Lake State Park. To see more from this class, just click...

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More Academic Fraud For Gore  

Despite all of the various revelations of fraud, fabrication, and fantasy by the Agorians in their pursuit of an AGW theocracy, the great and munificent climate prophet, Algore, may peace be upon him, is about to receive an honorary doctorate from his home state's university.  Institutionalizing fraud on an international scale by government sponsored academia?  Is anyone surprised? Just click...

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Avian Magnetometers? 

Migratory birds have long confounded everyone for their uncanny ability to navigate long distances with unerring accuracy. Scientists have now discovered what they think is the location of their built in magnetometers. Even chickens have the biological version of our GPS units. Swainson's hawks flying from Canada to the Argentine Pampas are a classic raptorial navigation story.  Just click...  Read this story, and then see if the term "bird brain" doesn't mean something else. 

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Scouts Bearing Gifts  

February 22, 2010: Brighton- Pack 861 members (left to right) Aaron Weil, Trevor Beutner, Luke Davis and Michael Corigliano deliver a pile of valuable gifts to our offices: shop towels, paper towels, anti-biotic cream and preparation H  (no our birds do not have piles), and antiseptic wipes.  Prep H is used for foot treatment in our dry climate.  The scouts used this opportunity to earn another badge.  After a private VIP tour, the young men gathered in our front office to pose with our 29 year old golden eagle.   Thanks gentlemen, and thanks to Debra Davis for organizing everything. Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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White-tailed Hawk Arrives    

New arrival! February 16, 2010: Brighton- Our new White-tailed Hawk,          ( Buteo albicaudatus ), arrived from the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. Locally endangered, this species is found only on the Texas coastal savanna and then further south into Central and South America. This raptor's long pointed wings give it a somewhat "Swainson's" appearance. It hunts small mammals and birds, usually while hovering or kiting high in the air. Currently, he will go into behavioral quarantine with our Curator for a few weeks, and then be introduced to some of our other buteos.  Stay tuned as we publish more information on this beauty. Thanks to everyone from U.S. Fish & Wildlife, the CDOW, the Texas State Aquarium, and Continental Airlines  for helping us acquire this bird into our collection. Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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IPCC Climate Confessions     

Not that it will make any difference to the fraudulent cabal in the White House, but a senior scientist for the IPCC has now confessed to what rational people have known for quite some time, i.e., the AGW theory is a fraud.  When you read the depth of the confession, you might wonder why in blazes the stupid politicians in America's government at both state and federal levels, are still pushing billion dollar solutions to a problem which does not exist.  You might wonder why the American statist media are also fronting for the scam, while the British press is finally doing their due diligence.  Wonder no more, the corrupt media and government collaborators will keep going if they think the public is asleep.  Just click...

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2,500 Year Old Nest Sites  

The largest falcons in the world, gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) have been found to be nesting in historic nest sites for 2,500 years.  Coming back to the same site year after year, and generation after generation, researchers were shocked to find how far back some of these nests were dated.  Some of the droppings at these sites are over two meters deep, and provided plenty of material for carbon dating the earliest inhabitants. Just click...

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Another Eagle Ascends...

Patrick Tidwell officially ascended into the realm of Eagle Scout. Flanked by his family at his January 30th ceremony, Patrick's eagle scout project was the first one to benefit REF's new facility in Brighton. Take a look at this young man's achievement.  If you think you have a scout who might wish to take on an eagle scout project to benefit eagles, contact us at 303-680-8500. Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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The Color of Dinosaur Feathers  

Not only have researchers confirmed the existence of feathers on some dinosaur species, they have now discovered some of the color palette those dinosaurs displayed. This discovery also reveals something about the origin of feathers and the fact that they were not always associated with the ability to fly.  Next time you see one of our raptors up close, you are actually viewing 100 plus million years of  applied adaptations.  Just click...

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Economics=Ecology Index  

All of the world "greenies" should look carefully at the report following this introduction. The economic freedom index is a wonderful general indicator of  the ecological health of our planet.  Those at the top of the index (no longer the U.S. A. which ranks 8th.) are the countries most able to promote and create a healthy and viable environment.  As you follow the list to the bottom of the index, you will find those countries that are the worst of everything.  This includes countries whose economic ecology is so dysfunctional that they can barely or not at all even feed themselves.  Zimbabwe is a classic lesson, going from riches to rags in a short period of time.  None of the monocultural political ecologies is healthy.  In fact, they are classic examples of a virulent parasite killing its host.  The simple lesson is that nature is a real "free" marketplace, and the best any country can do is emulate the best aspects of this marketplace, while civilizing the wildest parts.  The key to freedom is readily accessible amounts of affordable energy.  Right now, that does not include wind, PV, or some of the other allegedly green technologies. The best options for the next two decades are still going to be black gold, black coal and demonic nuclear.  The latter really holds the most promise, but it requires a scientifically literate cultural medium to grow in. One of the most exciting, yet older nuclear options is Thorium.  For the index, just click...

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Clean Energy Solution  

Nine years ago REF President, Peter Reshetniak, had written about a natural solution to the energy challenges all of us face.  Although it was not PC, this solution still stands as one of the most creative we have ever seen.  We are offering that up again for all of you pushing "green energy" jobs.  Just click...

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Denver International Airport: Another Bald Eagle Dies  

December 31, 2009: A bad New Year for this male bald eagle. We received a call about the bird after he was picked up by USDA agents who work the airport.  The bird was struck (on takeoff) by a Southwest jet.  Although the pilot was not sure if they had a bird strike, they did call it in.  The eagle's left humerus was described as  "exploded" by the folks at the Birds of Prey Foundation in Broomfield where he was euthanized.  That type of break is impossible to fix, and even in a facility like REF's one winged birds are very difficult to manage under the best of circumstances. About a year ago, if you remember, an adult bald eagle was ingested by another jet taking off at DIA, which continues its record as the airport with the highest bird strikes in the country. With the thousands of Canada geese in the area, and lots of raptors hunting the airport's 50 plus square miles of habitat loaded with rabbits, geese, and other game, it is a wonder that DIA has averted a major tragedy. USDA officers are doing what they can to decrease the chances of such an incident by using a variety of mitigation techniques. Share |

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A Fulbright Study of Eagle Culture in Mongolia  

Raptor Fulbright Report Lauren's story is now available for the rest of us...enjoy! 12/27/09: An avid falconer since age 14, Lauren McGough has always had a love of eagles and the world’s wild places. At 17 she traveled to Mongolia to hunt with the Kazakh eagle falconers. While studying at the University of Glasgow, Lauren began flying golden eagles on the moorlands of Scotland as well as discovering the unique tradition of eagle falconry on the European mainland. Recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with degrees in Zoology and International Studies, Lauren is back in Mongolia on a ten-month Fulbright scholarship to apprentice under the eagle falconers of Bayan-Olgii. Eagle falconry is only one aspect of humanity's relationship with raptors that goes back approximately 5,000 years.  Lauren will be bringing a contemporary look at this ancient tradition as it is practiced in one of the world's most remote and wild places.  And as possibly one of the first women accepted into this traditionally all male activity, Lauren will have some unique observations to share with all of us. Lauren is pictured in Scotland after a successful hunt. On the right is Andrew Knowles-Brown.

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Volunteer of the Year:2009     

December 6, 2009: Arvada, CO;  Shelley Doris (r) is recognized as the Volunteer of The Year for 2009 during our 22nd annual Volunteer Banquet. This is Shelley's third consecutive award in REF's best of the best.  We have a fantastic group of Docents, and Shelley's 458 hours contributed in multiple service categories set her apart once again. As a special tribute to Shelly, REF  was pleased to provide her with a $200 gift certificate from our new technology partner, Best Buy.  Anne Price, REF's Curator, presents the award to Shelley, who also acts as REF's Mews Manager and in conjunction  with Anne both ladies are dedicated to insuring our thirty raptors get the best care and training possible. Our thanks are extended to Best Buy's store 1134 at I70 and Tower Road.  Please stay tuned as more pictures will be published in the coming days. Support us every time you shop with our exclusive Raptor Credit Card.

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Raptor Credit Cards Flying High     

Raptor Credit Cards: If you are one of the millions of people who use credit cards wisely, then please use one of ours. Just by signing up and getting one of ours, your first purchase will generate $50 for the Raptor Education Foundation. Then, each time you buy something, we will receive percentage of your purchases automatically.  What a great way to help REF keep its mission flying.  And for those of you who want to design your own card with a special raptor image, just let us know what type of raptor image you want, and we will get that to you.  Then you can design one of your own cards that also benefits our mission.  We offer the Screech Owl, the Bald Eagle, and the Golden Eagle cards.  Take a look at our other birds, and we will provide you a picture of your favorite raptor which you can use to create your own unique Raptor Credit Card.  Or just let us know what your favorite raptor is, and we will make sure your favorite raptor  is delivered to you to customize your own exclusive card.   ContactUs

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Eagle Killing Continues        

August 24, 2009: So what would happen if Black Bears decided that they could kill some little old lady that had been feeding them as a ceremonial tribute to their god, Ursus, as their ritual to show their gratitude for the food some kind and stupid Homo sapiens provide?  Could the bears invoke their sovereign nation status as immunity for the murder?  Could they hide behind the veil of their religious freedom to sacrifice one or two stupid Homo sapiens each year as a tribute to their god, Ursus? Well they could, but Homo sapiens would still kill the responsible bear, and any other bear that happened to be snacking on the remains of the dearly stupid Homo sapiens.  How you decide to interpret the actions of the bear will certainly show your bias.  Aren't you just a racist or speciesist as some say?  Bears having rights to their own religious freedom?  Are you insane?  So what if America's eagles got together and decided that sacrificing a few Homo sapiens  (American Indian babies in this case) each year is a right of their passage from fledgling status to the honorific of Adult Eagle?  As eagles, do they not have sovereign nation status as elegantly described by Henry Beston?   Does that not allow them to take such actions as they please?   What's the death of a few Indian babies anyway?  It's not like the eagles are  using automatic weapons and killing hundreds of them... there are plenty of Indians around.  Hell, those Indians would hit the warpath and certainly kill the offending eagle, and who knows how many more just to send a message. Stupid, right?  Well that's what is being invoked by one Indian named Friday for murdering a bald eagle...its a right of his wonderful religious practices as a member of a sovereign nation.  We say this is the height of  barbaric insanity. And the Interior Department authorities continue to issue permits for this insanity, because they have become invertebrates before the god of "religious freedom."  Just click...  Follow this story in the pages of our web over the  past years. What say you?   Where are all the other "erstwhile" environmental or raptor groups/organizations hiding?    Peter Reshetniak

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We copyrighted this back in 1998, when our instincts knew the reality of anthropogenic global warming was BS.  In 2008, the numerous proofs of global warming, and its causes, confirm our instincts- just read Unstoppable Global Warming-every 1,500 years by Singer & Avery if you are still drinking the cool aid that the Prophet Algore Ayatoldya is pouring into the public drinking fountain.  Otherwise, put this on your car's window and watch people's brains heat up.

Rational people are waking up... this helps them on the way. Read what Bjorn Lomborg has to say in "Cool It". BL is the author and economist that Algorian's love to hate! Our self-sticking vinyl (4" x 5") slogan is supported by real evidence from all over the globe.  Evidence, not consensus is what  real science is all about. $3 each: Order Here.

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Eagle Scout Hangs with an Eagle  

Patrick Tidwell, Eagle Scout, finalizes his Eagle Scout project with REF as he spends some time at a photo shoot with the eagle of his choice to create an exclusive poster commemorating his project at REF's new facility in Brighton, Colorado.  See Patrick's project below.    30th Anniversary Savings  for our exclusive license plates:$19.95

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79 Billon Spent by Government on Global Warming  

Since 1989 the U.S. Government has spent over 79 billion dollars on various aspects of the theory of anthropogenic global warming.  Audits of the spending show that the dollars have been hugely wasted with no results that verify the theory.  In fact the results are showing that the theory is full of holes.  This is another Madhoff Ponzi scheme brought to you by all with vested interests in scamming your money. Just click...    If you still persist in drinking the Algorian Cool Aid, then here is another study which provides further evidence that anthropogenic global warming is a hoax, or read what an Australian geologist says about fundamentalist environmentalism.

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$10 Million Fine= 232 Eagles

The federal government has completed an extensive court case against a Wyoming utility for the death of hundreds of eagles, hawks, and other raptors.  The utility operates electrical transmission lines and had failed to update old fashioned power poles which were shown to be electrocuting a large variety of raptors when the big birds used the poles as perches. Just click...

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