Teton Raptor Center

10/18/2026

Zombie Bird, or Nictitating Membrane?

I've done a post before about a very cool thing with birds and other animals, but raptors especially. They have a translucent eyelid that serves several purposes. It not only lubricates the eyes, but it protects them too while allowing them to see while flying. Raptors pursue it prey sometimes through areas like woods or grasses and bushes that could potentially scratch their eyes. The translucent membrane allows them to see while maneuvering around obstacles. I can't time the exposures to capture it as it can open and close quickly, but when I do get lucky enough to capture it, I always process the image for later use. I think sometimes it can make the bird look like a zombie, but a cool zombie at that! In this image if you zoom in you can see the veins that run through the membrane! For this image I used the Tamron 50-400mm Di III E mount lens. My settings for the image were at 400mm on a Sony a1, Manual Mode, f8, shutter speed of 1/500th of a second, ISO 2000, handheld, f-stop Gear Kashmir AIR backpack. Tamron Americas Teton Raptor Center

10/18/2026

10/18/2026

Cache, American Kestrel, Teton Raptor Center Ambassador

One of my favorite birds to see and photograph when we visit the Teton Raptor Center is the male American Kestrel, Cache. I have always had a fascination with Kestrels. They can take down prey larger than they are and just are pretty much badasses. So how can they be so tough, but so cute? I am fascinated with the behavior of these falcons, America's tiniest falcon, and how they not only hunt, but plan ahead for winter and other adverse conditions. Kestrels will capture prey, like mice and voles, then store it for later, especially in the winter. They will hide it in different places like grass and places it can be easily retrieved. This storage of food, well the food itself, is known as a "cache"! And now you know how Cache earned his name. I love how the folks at the Teton Raptor Center go above and beyond to teach our groups and I look forward to seeing them in January. For this image I used the Tamron 50-400mm Di III E mount lens. My settings for the image were at 400mm on a Sony a1, Manual Mode, f8, shutter speed of 1/500th of a second, ISO 2000, handheld, f-stop Gear Kashmir AIR backpack. Tamron Americas Teton Raptor Center

10/10/2026

Happy !🪶🦉🦅

This we continue to monitor the migratory population to help map key migration corridors and stopover sites, show the significant later shift in eagle migrations due to climate change, determine lead ingestion rates of migratory eagles, monitor declines, understand how eagles learn over time, and much, much more! By tagging these birds, we can collect much-needed data to continue to advocate for their protection.

During this year’s World Migratory Bird Day, we want to highlight the importance of community and citizen science. Any observations through applications like Merlin, E-Bird, and other resources can contribute to a vast network of researchers and our knowledge on how to protect them!

This year, we also began a year-long process to estimate the population size of migratory eagles in the northern US Rockies using a combination of observations, GPS transmitters, and MOTUS tracking technology.

With over 750 eagles tagged during our decade of monitoring, we are amassing data and testing the actions needed to reverse the declining Golden Eagle populations in western North America.

10/08/2026

A stunning bird, and a smart way to protect them. 🦉Happy DAF Giving Day!

Did you know that using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is one of the absolute easiest ways to support Teton Raptor Center’s mission and raptor conservation?
If you already have a DAF, your charitable dollars are ready and waiting to make a difference. By recommending a grant to TRC today, you bypass the hassle and put your philanthropy to work immediately. It’s a fast, simple, and incredibly effective way to champion raptor conservation and give injured birds a second chance at life in the wild.

Put your DAF to work for the wildlife you love. Check out the link below to learn how easy it is to make your grant today! 👇
https://tetonraptorcenter.org/ways-to-give/ (or link in bio!)

PC: Bob Smith

10/08/2026

Happy Hump Day🐫

Comment below which raptor you are today!🦉🪶🦅

10/07/2026

Happy World Teacher Day to all of our amazing educators here at Teton Raptor Center!🪶

Everyday our educators spark wonder, curiosity, and bridge the gap between communities and wildlife. From our public onsite programs to local classrooms, their passion for what they teach is truly transformative. People of all ages aren’t just learning what a raptor is, but they’re falling in love with wildlife and stepping up to protect it.

To our team: Thank you for educating, inspiring, and empowering everyone you meet! We are so grateful for everything you do!🦉

This Worlds Teachers' Day, we'd like to give a shout out to wildlife educators worldwide!

To the unexpected wildlife educators, such as experienced volunteers that explain cage cleaning procedures to new folks, thank you for taking on that role. To the rehabilitators who didn't realize they'd have to learn how to teach sub-permitees alongside learning animal care themselves, we see you! To everyone that's picked up a phone call or responded to a text to educate someone with a wildlife conflict and avoid an unnecessary intake, we appreciate your kindness.

And of course, thank you to all of the classroom teachers that thanklessly advocate for wildlife every single day. Thank you to all of the teachers who work long hours then donate their time to volunteer with animal care or at an educational event. Thank you for all of the teachers promoting analytical reading, mathematics, history, and more that empower the next generation to protect the environment around them. Thank you for all of the hard work that you do!