Trending upward
November 11, 2024
Anthony Baffo and Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein
A map of Minnesota
This map shows projected percentage changes in Minnesota county resident populations from 2015 to 2045. More people means more potential interactions with raptors. | Courtesy of Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium

You’ve heard it before. The Raptor Center (TRC) hospital is admitting more birds than ever—1,000- plus raptors a year—and is experiencing its busiest season to date. What sounds like the repetitive tune of a broken record is a trend driven by many factors that come together in a nuanced set of ways.

Over the past two decades, TRC’s yearly census has steadily trended upward, interspersed with periods of stability. With every uptick in yearly admissions comes the question: Why are you seeing more birds?

The answer is thought to be a culmination of multiple factors. Over the past 50 years, TRC’s education ambassadors and their outreach have reached over 1 million people, which has led to more calls reporting raptors in need.

Through its work and collaboration with many partners, TRC helped to save raptor species, supported nesting raptor families, and advocated for better environmental policy—all factors that lend to raptor population growth. While the rate of injury might technically be similar, increased populations could mean an equal increase in injuries. Additionally, TRC continues to expand its reach thanks to a growing network of transport volunteers who escort birds across Minnesota and surrounding states to the center’s hospital.

Gloved hands holding a red-tailed hawk
A red-tailed hawk receiving care in TRC's hospital. | Photo by TRC staff

Additionally, the human footprint is expanding and encroaching more and more on wild spaces, leading to increases in human-caused injuries in raptors and other wildlife. The emergence of new disease threats also impacts patient admissions, a recent example being the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. These diseases can cause temporary influxes in patient admissions and contribute to a consistent upward trend over time.

There is a lot of work to do in terms of countering humanity’s negative impact on raptors and the environment, but when reflecting on all that TRC has collectively achieved in its first 50 years of serving raptors, it’s clear the next 50 can tip the scale and leave a better world for generations to come.

Raptors in this article