Iowa Raptor Project

We are mourning the loss of Juniper, a beloved Northern Saw-whet Owl ambassador who touched the hearts of volunteers, visitors, and staff alike.

Juniper may have been tiny, but her impact was anything but. She helped countless people learn about raptors, became a favorite at fall owl programs, and brought quiet companionship — plus a little diva attitude — to all who worked with her.

We are grateful for the time we had with Juniper and for the many memories she leaves behind.

Help us honor Juniper’s legacy: https://tinyurl.com/yymw4k9f

We are heartbroken to announce that Juniper, our resident Northern Saw-whet Owl, passed away last week after complications from egg binding. This is a devastating loss for our program, and especially for our staff and volunteers.

Not only was she an amazing and confident educational ambassador, she also touched the lives of thousands who met her throughout her 6 years of life. Junie opened up our eyes to the fascinating world of Saw-whet Owls and greatly enhanced our conservation outreach.

We are going to miss her so much.

If you have photos or memories of Juniper, please share them with us. ❤️

Check out this story from our friends at UI Center for Advancement (University of Iowa Alumni) about the work that we do in the field with raptors.

Our collaborative research projects on Iowa birds of prey help inform our educational messaging and provide great hands-on experiences for our University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College students and volunteers!

The University of Iowa College of Education
Iowa Wildlife Camps
School of the Wild
Kirkwood Parks

Band of Birders: Tracking Hawks with the Iowa Raptor Project University of Iowa expert Dave Conrads leads a winter raptor survey that reveals bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and the science behind Iowa’s birds of prey.

What a wonderful World Migratory Bird Day we had on Saturday...the Baltimore Orioles stole the show!

For those who want a more intimate bird-banding experience, we will continue offering "Wild Wednesday" migratory bird-banding through May.

https://events.uiowa.edu/department/383

Attached are photos of birds banded today with School of the Wild (the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was released unbanded).

College of Education
University of Iowa

Kirkwood Parks
Kirkwood Community College

(All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory.)

Today, with School of the Wild, we learned that the difference between Canada and Nashville Warblers couldn't be more Black and White.

Still some room to sign up for tomorrow's big event!
https://events.uiowa.edu/department/383

College of Education
University of Iowa

Kirkwood Parks
Kirkwood Community College

(All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory.)

As part of our World Migratory Bird Day event TOMORROW:

Aaditya Deshpande will speak on the journey of Purple Martins from the Amazon rainforest right here to Macbride Nature Recreation Area! Aaditya will share the unique relationship humans have with these aerial acrobats!

Program times will be at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Register here for this event: https://events.uiowa.edu/event/37414

Today's newest arrivals...just in time for World Migratory Bird Day! Still some room to sign up for Saturday's big event!

https://events.uiowa.edu/department/383

Iowa Wildlife Camps
School of the Wild
College of Education
University of Iowa

Kirkwood Parks
Kirkwood Community College

(All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory.)

Every day is a new adventure in bird banding...here are today's birds (with even a raptor in the mix!). Sign up at the link below for this Saturday's event, as well as our Wednesday banding events (like today's)!

https://events.uiowa.edu/department/383

(All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory.)