Off-site Education Progams Prohibited under ODA Avian Exhibition Ban by Cindy Alverson, Exec. Dir.

What’s missing from this edition of the HackBack? There is no listing of upcoming programs where you could enjoy the piercing stare of the Great Horned Owl or see the soft, fluffy feathers of the Eastern Screech Owl. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has cancelled all live bird exhibitions this year, including state and county fairs, and any gatherings where there are birds for show or sale. This ban includes all avian educators in Ohio, whether it is a zoo or an education group like ours, and may be in effect until April, 2016. Avian educators may still host presentations at on-site facilities, but are banned from presenting off-site.The ban was instituted as an attempt to prevent the spread of avian flu into Ohio. So far, avian flu has been detected in 15 other states including neighboring Indiana. It was an aggressive move designed to protect Ohio’s $2.3 billion poultry industry. The ban became effective at the beginning of June, just before the Ohio State Fair and county fairs opened. So far, Ohio has remained virus-free when poultry has been tested. Despite the outbreaks in poultry, there

has been no human infections associated with this strain of avian influenza. This has been a huge blow financially to RAPTOR since programs comprise one of our main income streams, along with memberships and grants. At our current site we cannot accommodate presentations for large groups, but we have been able to host a few gatherings of groups of 10 or less. An added benefit to an on-site presentation is a close-up view of our 11 avian ambassadors! For more information on scheduling an on-site tour, call 513 825-3325. For information on the ban, see http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/ai.aspx?div=ai-hpai.htm.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has cancelled all live bird exhibitions including those by all avian educators, whether it is a zoo or an education facility.

Downtown Peregrine Falcon Soars Again! by Cindy Alverson, Exec. Dir.

When RAPTOR receives 16 phone calls in an hour, you know something big is happening! On this particular, sunny Saturday in June, the “something big” happened to be that one of this year’s Peregrine Falcon chicks from the downtown Cincinnati nest box needed help. Multiple callers were leaving messages advising that the injured bird was hopping down the street.A willing volunteer was quickly found to transport the bird to our RAPTOR facility and was on their way downtown, when another call was received that the

Continued on page 5Rehabilitated peregrine falcon soars over Cincinnati’s skyline after successful release.

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Summer 2015

Mission

Since 1978, RAPTOR Inc. (Regional Association for the Protection and Treatment Of Raptors) has been dedicated to “the rehabilitation and return of raptors to their natural environment, the education of the public on the importance of raptors, and the preservation of their natural habitat.”

The Newsletter of RAPTOR Inc. Celebrating 37 Years

Inside This Issue...

Off-site Education Progams Prohibited under ODA Avian Exhibition Ban By Cindy Alverson ..............................................1Downtown Peregrine Falcon Soars Again! By Cindy Alverson ....................................................12015 Admissions .................................................2Upcoming Programs ............................................2Thank You Vets! ...................................................2RAPTOR Hosts Fundraiser for Future Expansion, by Alice McCaleb .............................3A Huge Thanks to our Event Sponsors! ..............3Raptor Ink, by Catherine Adams.........................3Welcome Back, Jiminy! by Alice McCaleb ..........4Upcoming Event: An evening with Kate Heyden from Kentucky’s Eagle Tracking Project ..............4RAPTOR Inc. Gives Osprey a Second Chance ..5RAPTOR Inc. Contributions .............................62015 RAPTOR Members Meeting & Picnic .....62015 Calendar Photos .........................................6Rescue, Rummage and Raffle! ............................7Time to Re-enroll your Kroger Plus Card! ..........7RAPTOR Wish List ...........................................7Update to RAPTOR Inc. Membership and NEW Benefits. ...............................................................7

Mark Your Calendars! 2015 RAPTOR Inc.Members Meeting &

Picnic Saturday, September

26th, 2015See page 6 for details!

Despite both having dashing good looks and a taste for carrion, Earl and Igor are not related.

Turkey Vulture by Dennis Capps, Rüppell ’s Vulture by Erica Locke.

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Spring 2015

RAPTOR Inc. is temporarily unable to travel off-site! A ban issued from the Ohio Department of Agriculture does not allow for anyone with educational permits for birds to travel away from their facility. This is an attempt on their part to prevent avian influenza from entering Ohio. At this time we do not know when the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s ban will be lifted. For more information, see our cover story on the ban. Please check our website or on Facebook to see when we will once again be able to share our feathered friends.

RAPTOR Inc. BoardErica Locke, PresidentMarc Alverson, Vice PresidentRobert Smith, TreasurerMelinda Simon, SecretaryDan Bailey, TrusteeJackie Bray, TrusteeDan Begin, TrusteeJeff Hays, TrusteeDonna Morsbach, TrusteeCindy Alverson, Executive Directorraptor@raptorinc.org

The Board of Trustees generally meets the third Wednesday of each month, at 7:00 P.M. All RAPTOR members are welcome to attend. Contact Jeff Hays at (513) 821-9822 for meeting time and location.

CommunicationsGary Young, Newsletter EditorErica Locke, Assistant Newsletter Editor

To submit articles or pictures for consideration in HackBack, email the article to: raptor@raptorinc.orgor by mail to:RAPTOR Inc.961 Barg Salt Run RoadMilford, Ohio 45150

To report an injured raptor in theGreater Cincinnati area call RAPTOR Inc.(513) 825-3325

Thank You To Our Veterinarians!Bob Dahlhausen, D.V.M. (513) 576-1990Joseph Grossi, D.V.M. (513) 772-6060D.J. Haeussler, D.V.M. (513) 332-0718J. Peter Hill, D.V.M (513) 793-3032Vanessa Kuonen Cavens, D.V.M. (513) 561-0069Paul Levitas, D.V.M. (513) 871-8866

American Kestrel ..................................9Merlin ..................................................1Peregrine Falcon ...................................2Eastern Screech Owl ..........................11Barred Owl .........................................12Barn Owl ..............................................0Great Horned Owl .............................20Long-eared Owl ...................................0Saw-whet Owl......................................0Snowy Owl ...........................................0Sharp-shinned Hawk ...........................1Cooper’s Hawk ...................................20

Broad-winged Hawk ............................2Red-shouldered Hawk ........................28Red-tailed Hawk ................................29Rough-legged Hawk ............................0Turkey Vulture ......................................2Black Vulture ........................................1Osprey ..................................................1Golden Eagle........................................0Bald Eagle ............................................0TOTAL .........................................139RELEASED .................................52%TRANSFERRED ............................. 2

2015 Admissions Upcoming Programs

Random Raptor Fact: Celebrating International Vulture Awareness Day, Sept 5th 2015Both the New World (North & South America) and the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia) are home to species of large birds known as Vultures. Although the birds that live in these two regions share many traits, including a diet based on carrion, featherless heads, and powerful hooked beaks designed to rip flesh, the two groups are actually unrelated. Old World Vultures belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes many familiar hawks, eagles and kites. In contrast, New World Vultures are members of the family Cathartidae, which includes local species like the Turkey & Black Vulture as well as Condors. As a result, Vultures are an excellent example of convergent evolution, or the development of similar animals that occupy the same niche, but are not related. Unfortunately, many Old World Vulture species have suffered precipitous declines in recent years due to intentional and inadvertant human poisoning of their food sources. This has the potential to be an ecological disaster, as diseased carcasses once cleaned up by vultures are now left out in the open where illness can spread.You can learn more about vultures and efforts to help them at The Peregrine Fund website: http://www.peregrinefund.org/

RAPTOR Hosts Fundraiser for Future Expansion by Alice McCaleb, Volunteer

On a beautiful afternoon in June, RAPTOR Inc. hosted its first fundraiser in many years. Our keynote speaker and honored guest was world-renowned wildlife artist, John A. Ruthven. The event was aptly named RUTHVEN with RAPTOR. John Ruthven spoke to the guests about his adventures as he did research to paint the Philippine Eagle. His original painting was presented to the late President Ferdinand Marcos. President Marcos agreed to formally change the name of the country’s national bird from the Monkey-Eating Eagle to the Philippine Eagle. John has long been a bird conservationist and a great supporter of the RAPTOR Inc. mission.RUTHVEN with RAPTOR was held

at Livingston Lodge in Indian Hill. Guests spent the afternoon mingling as they enjoyed food and drinks. They were able to get up close to see some of our education ambassadors. Artists from Masterworks for Nature were displaying and selling their work along with a great live and silent auction. The live auction included once in a lifetime bird banding experiences with RAPTOR Inc. volunteer and raptor researcher, Jeff Hays. The goal of the event was to raise funds for future expansion of RAPTOR Inc. It was a very successful event organized by a great team of volunteers. We appreciate all of those who attended and/or donated to help us exceed our expectations!

John A. Ruthven discussing his drawing of the Philippine Eagle at the RUTHVEN with

RAPTOR fundraiser.

Presenting Sponsor• Wild About Birds

Financial Support• The Alverson Family • Phyllis Blust• Rick and Trish Bryan• Renie Dohrmann• Feathered Playpen• Joe and Louise Head• Patsy Hofmann• John and Mel Kuempel• Newtown Feed and

Supply• Dick and Peggy Palmer• Christopher Rood• Robert E. Smith• Spring Grove Cemetery

& Arboretum

• David and Karen Swolsky

• Bob and Carolyn Wehling

• Wild Birds Unlimited, Montgomery

In-Kind DonationsIndividuals• Marilyn Arn• Linda Howard Bittner• DeVere Burt• Claudia Cagle• Linda Cole• Gary Denzler• Amy Foltz• Jeff Gandert• Ann Geise

• Donna Hartmann• Mary Louise Holt• Paul Junker• Debbie Lentz• Jim Mundy• Tom and Ruthie Price• Kelly Riccetti• Janet Ritchie• John A. Ruthven• Sharon Stolzenberg• Mary Turner• Christopher Walden• Dave Whelan• Leslie Wilsong• Julie Zickafoose

Companies• Audubon of Ohio • Axatron

• Ben Franklin Frame Shop

• Browning’s of Wyoming• Burger Farm & Garden

Center • Busken Bakery• Charley Harper Art • Cappy’s Craft Wine and

Spirits• Cooper’s Hawk Winery • Earthwise Pets• East Fork Stables &

Trails • Fabulous Frames & Art,

Montgomery• Funke Fired Arts • Geraci Fine Jewelry• Green Acres Canoe and

Kayak Rental • Indigenous• LaRosa’s Pizza • Madisono’s Gelato• OZO Play Cafe • Plaza Artist Materials• Prographics Printing • Seafood Station,

Loveland• Watchers Choice

Feeders • Wild About Birds,

Montgomery• Wrenworks.com

A Huge Thanks to our Event Sponsors!

Raptor Ink

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Page 3

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Spring 2015

April: Great Horned Owl by Aldo Ross

Question of the day: What raptor can sound like a cricket during its chatter call? You guessed it – an American Kestrel! And that is exactly what the newest avian addition sounded like during the 3 hour drive to RAPTOR Inc. So, of course, this male was named Jiminy. This particular kestrel had been transferred from RAPTOR Inc. to another nature center in northern Ohio 3 years ago. As their needs changed and they no longer had a need for this particular bird, we were very happy to welcome him back.Due to the recent decline of American Kestrels, RAPTOR Inc. had been on a waiting list for 2 years for a kestrel which needed placement – a kestrel which could not be returned to the wild because of its severe injuries. In this bird’s case, a fracture at a joint limits its flight so he would not be able to hunt well enough to sustain himself. Even with his limitations, he has found a place where he can provide opportunities for the community to learn about these birds and see their beauty. Last weekend was his debut at one of our on-site photography sessions. What a great beginning at his new home!

Welcome Back, Jiminy! by Alice McCaleb, Volunteer

Jiminy, our new program American Kestrel!

From a joint effort of the Audubon Society and RAPTOR, Kate Heyden, a non-game Avian Biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, will be speaking about the eagle tracking project which started in Kentucky in 2010. Kate has satellite-tracked bald and golden eagles from Kentucky to many other states and Canada. Hear what the biologists are learning from the data collected from these transmitters. You can follow online at http://kyeagletracking.wordpress.com/.

Raptor researcher, Jeff Hays of RAPTOR, has assisted Kate with her tracking project in KY for the past 2 years. See photos below of “Carly” being removed from her nest for banding and affixing the transmitter.

Upcoming Event:An evening with Kate Heyden from Kentucky’s Eagle Tracking Project

Oct. 19, 2015 at 7 pmWinton Centre, 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231

Jeff climbs up to Carly in the nest, then Carly is lowered safely to the ground and fitted with a satellite transponder.

You can follow Carly’s travels at http://kyeagletracking.wordpress.com/.

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Page 5

With a careful toss from skilled hands, the osprey’s journey from near-death to new life began. RAPTOR Inc., Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky’s premier raptor rehabilitation organization, returned the magnificent bird of prey to its natural habitat in Harrison, Ohio on Saturday, August 1 at Campbell Lakes Preserve, part of the Great Parks of Hamilton County.The bird was found injured on June 25 by Ranger Shannon, a Great Parks Ranger, and admitted to RAPTOR Inc. for care. The bird sustained trauma from an unknown source which left it grounded, weak and thin, with parasites and a broken toe. During its rehabilitation the bird improved slowly and steadily until it could fly. Then it began reconditioning in a huge flight enclosure to prepare for its release. The entire rehabilitation process took approximately 5 weeks.According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, ospreys are North American raptors uniquely adapted to feed almost exclusively on live fish. They dive feet-first into the top meter of water to catch the fish near the surface. All but the southernmost populations are migratory, traveling annually from Alaska and Canada to Central and South America. They build conspicuous stick nests in open areas over or near water, often on man-made structures like poles, channel markers and platforms, built specifically for nesting birds.

Their numbers plummeted between 1950 and 1980, when pesticides like DDT were in common use. Pesticide bans and construction of artificial nest sites have allowed osprey populations to rebound, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife still considered ospreys rare or absent in Hamilton County in 2012, when ospreys were removed from Ohio’s “threatened species” list and data collection ceased.Ospreys are uncommon admissions to rehabilitation facilities and are exceptionally challenging to successfully rehabilitate. They often refuse to eat in captivity and are prone to self-induced injury. The last osprey admitted by RAPTOR Inc. was in 2012. Fortunately, the Campbell Lakes osprey arrived with a voracious appetite. Dedicated and generous RAPTOR Inc. volunteers and fishermen like Joe Lucas and Zan and Liz Smith provided the bird with a steady supply of local fish, allowing it to gain strength.Jeff Hays, long-time RAPTOR Inc. volunteer, researcher and licensed bird bander, placed a band on the leg of the osprey prior to its release. The band numbers can be used to collect indispensable information regarding the movement, survival and behavior of North American avian species. Analysis of this information can direct important conservation and management decisions.

RAPTOR Inc. Gives Osprey a Second Chance by Jackie Bray, Trustee

Jeff Hays, raptor researcher and licensed bird bander, releases the rehabilitated osprey back to the wild after placing a band on its leg.

Photo by: Cassandre Crawford

The osprey flying in our huge flight cage preconditioning before release.

....Peregrine Falcon Chick Soars Again!

SPCA was downtown loading the bird into their truck. Plans were shifted and the RAPTOR volunteer picked up the injured falcon from the SPCA facility. A thorough exam did not reveal any fractures or dislocations. The bird was a good weight and in good feather condition. So far, so good. To think that this bird was one of the birds which we watched on the live webcam from April through June was very strange indeed – here the bird was in the flesh. As is sometimes the case, this bird needed supportive care, good nutrition and time to heal from whatever impact was suffered. It also needed time for inflammation to decrease, and bruises to clear before flying would once again be attempted. The bird gradually started to fly short distances after a week. It was a happy day when, while making rounds, staff found the falcon sitting on a perch 5

feet high! We knew at that moment the bird would continue to improve, flying longer distances and at increased heights. A week

later, the falcon was speeding around the 140 foot flight cage, ready for release!Less than one month after the distress call was received, the peregrine falcon was taken to the observation deck of the Carew Tower on another sunny Saturday. With binoculars in hand, the nest box was observed on the 4th and Vine building. One adult falcon could be seen sitting inside and another was observed perched to the left of the nest box. When the young falcon was released, it flew high in front of the Great American Tower and the nest box where it hatched. Soaring on

the currents, the bird flew toward Clifton and out of sight trying out its wings and its new-found freedom!

Rehabilitated peregrine falcon soars high in front of Great American Tower.

Continued from page 1

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Spring 2015

2015 RAPTOR Inc. Members Meeting & Picnic

Saturday, Sept. 26, 20154 pm till Dark (food at 5 pm)Member’s Meeting at 4:30 pm

Please bring a chair and a dish to share. RAPTOR Inc. will provide grilled items, drinks and the traditional RAPTOR Inc. cake.

Raptors will be on display, so bring your cameras!

Join us for the Annual Member’s Picnic at:961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford, OH 45150

RSVP to: raptor@raptorinc.org by Sept. 23, 2015

2015 RAPTOR Inc. Calendar PhotosThis edition of the HackBack continues with this quarter’s winning photos which are showcased in the RAPTOR Inc. calendar.

July - Common Barn Owl (Storm) by Debra Patek September - Eastern Screech Owl (Rufous) by Eric Jason BrockAugust - Peregrine Falcon (Lucy) by Martha Solch

Thanks to the following groups and individuals for their recent financial contributions to RAPTOR Inc.Marc & Cindy AlversonRichard & Elizabeth ArnBethel Feed & SupplyVirginia L BlumRenie DohrmannRussell & Elisabeth FaberFeathered Play PenKenneth & Margaret FlierlGE FoundationRobert & Sharon Gill Jeff & Lisa HaysJoseph & Louise HeadBeverly Bach & Donald HildPatricia A HofmannChristina KohnenKrogerJohn & Mary Ellen Kuemple

Richard & Mary LandisPeggy A LenhartDebbie LentzDouglas G MasonStan & Donna MorsbachNewtown Feed & SupplyMarquerite J PalmerChristopher T RoodMary J RosenfeldtChris & Jacqueline RyallRobert & Lois SmithZan & Elizabeth SmithSpring Grove CemeteryGregory & Linda StrickerRobert & Carolyn WehlingDixie A WestWild Birds Unlimited

Falcon Level $500 to $999Frederick & Patricia BryanNorthrop GrummanRichard & Kelly Riccetti

Osprey Level $1000 and aboveWild About Birds

In-kind DonationsJackie BrayJoe LucasDonna MorsbachMelinda SimonRobert E. Smith

The results are in and the raptors are flying high!Rescue, Rummage and Raffle! Thanks to Wild About Birds in Milford for another great fundraising success! A record number of rummage and raffle tickets were sold at the Father’s Day Sale and Raptor event with the proceeds donated to RAPTOR for the care and maintenance of our avian ambassadors as well as birds undergoing rehabilitation. Thanks to all the caring customers for their continued support of Wild About Birds and RAPTOR Inc.!

Thanks to all who register their Kroger Plus Card to raise money for RAPTOR Inc.!If you haven’t yet, it’s easy to join!1. Go to: krogercommunityrewards.com2. Select “RAPTOR Inc.”3. Enter RAPTOR’s Non‐Profit Organization number: 82506.If you have any questions, contact Cindy at raptor@raptorinc.org

HackBack www.raptorinc.org Page 7

Updates to RAPTOR Inc. Membership and NEW BenefitsRAPTOR Inc. is introducing new perks, tiers and pricing for membership. We hope these changes will clarify each level’s

benefits, intent, and terms as well as simplify the renewal process. Changes are effective immediately for new members and will apply to existing members at renewal. Renewal notices are sent out in October for annual collection for the following year. Dues paid after September 1 will be credited for the following year. Please use the form below to become a member or update your contact information. You can also become a member online at our website: raptorinc.orgIf you don’t need the membership form, pass it on to someone who might be interested in becoming a member of RAPTOR Inc.! Your membership dollars provide for care, treatment, and feeding of our birds as well as the continuation of our education programs.

Mark the membership level you request, all membership levels include electronic (default) or postal delivery of the newsletter, as well as an invitation to the Fall Picnic. Members are also invited to attend Board meetings and may nominate canidates to serve on the board.

o $10 Student Membership (1 year - up to age 18) o $25 Hawk Membership (1-year) o $50 Owl Membershipplus recieve stunning Raptor Notecard Set

o $100 Eagle Membershipplus recieve Charley Harper designed T-Shirt

o $500 Lifetime Membershipplus personalized tour for 5

o $1000 Sponsorshipplus stunning Rookwood Owl Set

Eagle, Lifetime and Sponsorship Memberships also include perks from the level(s) below. Eagle, Lifetime and Sponsorship please indicate T-Shirt Size (S, M, L, XL, XXL) ____

Date:

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:oCheck if you prefer postal delivery of HackBack

Mail this completed form with your check or money order to:RAPTOR Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford, Ohio 45150 Attn: MembershipThank you for your support of RAPTOR Inc.! Summer 2015

RAPTOR Inc. is in need of the following items for our bird care facility. To donate any of these items, please email RAPTOR at raptor@raptorinc.org or call 513.825.3325

RAPTOR Wish List

• HP Ink cartridges (950XL or 951)

• Latex gloves • Dry dog food• Gas Cards

• Pine Bedding • Cedar Bedding• HE Laundry

Detergent• 55 & 30 gallon

trash bags• Office Max Gift

Card

Kroger and RAPTOR Inc.

Thank You for all of your donations!

Sponsor a Banded RaptorSince the fall of 1994, RAPTOR Inc. has been banding most rehabilitated birds released back into the wild. Over a long period of time, this will help us determine how successful our rehabilitation efforts are. You can get involved with our “Sponsor a Banded Raptor” program. Sponsors will receive a fact sheet and photo on the selected species and a certificate with the following information:• Species and date of release • Age (if known)• Weight at time of release • U. S. Fish & Wildlife band number

If the bird you sponsor is recovered, you will be notified of the date and location of the recovery.

Yes, I would like to sponsor a banded bird of the species checked below:

o American Kestrel: $20 o Eastern Screech Owl: $20 o Cooper’s Hawk: $20 o Barred Owl: $20

o Red-shouldered Hawk: $25 o Great Horned Owl: $25 o Red-tailed Hawk: $25

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

In the event your selection is not available, we will contact you to arrange an alternative. Sponsoring a bird is tax deductible. All proceeds benefit RAPTOR Inc. Complete this form, enclose a check or money order, and mail to:RAPTOR Inc., 961 Barg Salt Run Road, Milford, Ohio 45150 Attn: MembershipThank you for your support of RAPTOR Inc.!