WELCOME to RaptorCare! A listserv for raptor rehabilitators, educators, researchers, falconers or others caring for birds of prey. Raptor rehabilitation involves wild birds with the goal of returning them to the wild. However, almost any topic having to do with raptors is appropriate. Injury or illness of wild or captive raptors, captive management issues such as diet, housing, and training (either for education or for conditioning before release) are relevant topics as well. Captive rearing techniques, as well as fostering, are also always of interest.

This list is for sharing information. All list members are urged to share questions, answers, opinions, successes and failures. Because experiences are varied, as are opinions, it is absolutely critical that ALL sharing be respectful and courteous. Every effort is made to make this a list where members feel safe to share openly, without fear or risk of rude or inflammatory responses. We can all learn from failures and mistakes, as well as successes - our own and those of others. In order that we all feel free to share, no flames or discourteous responses (on or off list) in response to a message posted on list will be tolerated. One warning will be given; a second incident will lead to permanent banning from list membership.

Subscribers MUST subscribe with their full (real) name, where they are, and a few words about their experience or interest. All are invited to introduce themselves to the list with the same information plus how long they have been working with raptors, and the kind and average number of raptors/cases they typically see each year.

All posts are considered copyrighted by the author and may not be shared off the list without the express permission of the poster.

Listowner/moderator is Louise Shimmel, founder and director of Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene OR. She can be reached at Louise@eRaptors.org.