How fascinating the world begins to look when you see it from the perspective of our raptors.

In my first quarter at The Raptor Center, I have been continuously inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, and the critical nature of our mission. Our ever-deepening knowledge of the minute details of raptor anatomy and physiology allows us to understand the conditions of the environment that they rely on, and helps us paint the picture of a healthy ecosystem—not just for birds, but for all life. Luckily, The Raptor Center has more than 50 years of understanding the intricacies of our incredibly fine-tuned birds of prey.

Our mission is directly linked to wider environmental health initiatives. Comprehensive wildlife health programs detect, assess, manage, and forecast avenues of harm prevention. The health of wild raptors serves as a crucial sentinel for the overall health of our planet.

To conduct work on such a grand scale, one needs to have a deep knowledge of the small, and at times practically invisible, features that make up raptors. When we can see the whole picture of raptor natural history and their fine-tuned physiology at the same time, raptors become essential magnifying glasses into the workings of our shared environment.

In this issue, we will take a deep dive into many parts that make our raptors so unique. You’ll find compelling features, including how the falcon’s digestive tract teaches us about their food source and how the variety in raptor
feet shows us how they navigate and survive in the environment.

I hope these articles spark your curiosity in the same way raptors sparked the curiosity and passion of our team. The Raptor Center plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy future for these magnificent creatures, and we are grateful to have you alongside us.

Sincerely,

– Dr. Jonathan Sleeman
Executive Director and Redig Endowed Chair
The Raptor Center