What You Can Do to Help Raptors
Whether you’re at home, in your neighborhood, or exploring the world, your everyday choices can make a big difference for birds of prey. Here’s how you can take action—right where you are.
At Home
Small changes at home can lead to big impacts for raptors:
- Make your windows bird-safe. Apply decals to help prevent window strikes—one of the most common causes of bird injuries.
- Keep cats safe indoors. Protect your pet and wildlife by keeping cats inside or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
- Use safe solutions for rodents. Avoid poisons that can harm raptors. Instead, use snap traps and seal up entry points to prevent infestations.
- Pick up twine, string, and other trash. These items can entangle birds—especially nestlings—so every little bit you collect helps.
- Plant native plants. Create a healthy habitat for insects and small mammals, which are essential parts of the raptor food web.
- Maintain clean feeders and baths. Prevent disease by regularly cleaning bird feeders and water sources.
- Install nest boxes. Give raptors like American Kestrels and owls a safe place to raise their young.
- Shop for a cause. Find bird-friendly gifts and gear in TRC’s Nature Shop that support raptor research and care.
In Your Community
Be a conservation leader right where you live:
- Drive with wildlife in mind. Slow down near open fields and forests—many raptors hunt near roadways and can be injured by vehicles.
- Sponsor a Poo-Poo Project screen. Help prevent cavity-nesting birds from getting trapped in vault toilets—support our innovative conservation solution!
- Be ready to help. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation resources in your area, and save the contact info for your local rehabber and state wildlife agency in your phone—just in case you ever find an animal in need.
- Join community science efforts. Help monitor nests, participate in migration counts, and contribute valuable data to raptor research. Explore e-bird to get started.
- Advocate for bird-friendly design. Encourage buildings that reduce light pollution and prevent window strikes to create safer skies.
Across the Planet
Think globally—act for raptors everywhere:
- Be a voice for lead-free conservation. Join the movement to remove lead from the food chain. Learn more and share resources at Sporting Lead-Free.
- Live lighter on the planet. Use less, waste less, and opt for earth-friendly products to help preserve healthy ecosystems for raptors and all wildlife.
- Protect wild places. Support policies and organizations that conserve habitat for raptors and their prey.
- Inspire others. Share what you’re learning and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to take action too!
With Teton Raptor Center
Want to do even more to help birds of prey?
- Donate Today: Support raptor conservation, rehabilitation, and education—your gift helps raptors soar.
- Volunteer: Share your time and talents in meaningful ways—whether it’s in our clinic, the classroom, or out in the field.
- Join the Raptor Rescue Network: Become a vital first responder by helping transport injured, ill, or orphaned birds to our clinic for care.
- Leave a Legacy: Join the Soaring Society by including Teton Raptor Center in your estate plans—help ensure a future where raptors thrive.
