@raptororg
The Alaska Raptor Center, located in Sitka Alaska, provides medical treatment to over 200 injured birds each year. Although we specialize in raptors, we will aid any wild bird in need. 501C3 Nonprofit. (907)747-8662
Did you know we use "Physical Therapy" on our patients? 🦅 Here at the Alaska Raptor Center, injured birds like Ghost, a Bald Eagle recovering from a gunshot, get specialized physical therapy to keep their wings healthy and flexible. #PhysicalTherapy #BaldEagle #WildlifeRescue
Snow day in Sitka! ❄️ While schools may be closed, our resident birds are taking the weather in stride. Cozy perches, sheltered spaces, and a little extra relaxation, not a bad way to spend a winter morning. #SnowDay #RaptorCare #WildlifeConservation
Did you know ravens take snow baths? Snow baths work just like a regular bath to keep feathers in top condition, which is especially important during the long winter months. Who needs a spa day when you have fresh powder? #SnowBath #Ravens #FunnyAnimals
When we talk about raptors, we don’t mean the dinosaurs! Raptors are birds of prey, meat eating birds adapted for hunting. In North America, this group includes eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, ospreys, and kites. #Raptors #BirdsOfPrey #DidYouKnow
Did you know owls can’t move their eyes? Instead, owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees in each direction, allowing them to scan their surroundings without moving their bodies. #Owls #DidYouKnow #FunFactFriday
Falconry hoods are one of the most common tools we use in the clinic. By gently covering a bird’s eyes, these specialized hoods reduce sensory input and help keep our Bald Eagle patients calm during medical care. #FalconryHood #DidYouKnow #WildlifeRehabilitation
Did you know Bald Eagles were once on the brink, with fewer than 500 breeding pairs in the continental United States? But today, their population has rebounded to more than 400,000 birds across North America. #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #YouCanMakeAnImpact
Enrichment isn’t always about food. For Sitka, one of our Bald Eagle ambassadors, enrichment can be as simple as spending time outside on a crisp, sunny morning. #Sunbathing #EnrichmentTime #WildlifeConservation
Did you know most owls have asymmetrical ears? One ear is higher on the head than the other. This gives owls incredible directional hearing, allowing them to pinpoint prey using sound alone. #OwlFacts #DidYouKnow #SoundScience
Great news from the clinic! Mahito, the Great Blue Heron who arrived underweight and hypothermic, has made a strong recovery and has been cleared for release back into the wild!
Thank you to everyone who supports wildlife rehabilitation! #Heron #successstory #freedom
Seahawks vs. Patriots 🦅🏈 When it comes to big decisions, we trust an eagle’s eye. Sitka, one of our resident Bald Eagles here at the Alaska Raptor Center, has made her Super Bowl pick! #SuperBowlPrediction #Seahawks #Patriots #SuperBowlLX
A Red-tailed Hawk’s weight can tell us a lot about their health, and their diet plays a huge role. Eating the right amount helps maintain peak condition without carrying extra weight, which could affect their overall health. #Diet #RedtailedHawk #Whatsonthemenu
Sitka is great at having her talons trimmed. But some of our other residents do take a LOT more work! 😅
Yep! Some of Sitka's favorite foods! 😁
Did you know Bald Eagle talons are made of the same material as our fingernails, keratin? Watch as Sitka takes part in her cooperative care by allowing us to trim her talons on the glove! #pedicure #CooperativeCare #AnimalCare #FunFactFriday
We’re Hiring for Summer 2026! Join the Alaska Raptor Center team this summer in our Gift Shop or as a Wildlife Interpreter!
Help educate visitors, share your love of wildlife, and support our amazing raptor residents. Positions are limited, so don’t wait! Apply today: AlaskaRaptor.org/employment/
Last week, a Varied Thrush came to the Alaska Raptor Center after a window collision.
Window strikes are common, but preventable. Adding decals or UV window reflectors helps birds see glass and stay safe. Small changes can save lives. #YouCanHelp #Thrush #WindowCollision
Meet Sitka, one of our Bald Eagle Raptors-in-Residence 🦅 After a collision with a car, she was left with permanent injuries, and Sitka can no longer survive on her own in the wild. She now has an important job, helping us educate the public. #WildlifeConservation #Ambassador #BaldEagles
This juvenile American Goshawk arrived at the Alaska Raptor Center from Haines, AK, after suffering head trauma from a window collision. After some supportive care and time in a flight mew, they were strong, steady, and ready for release! #WildlifeRehab #Goshawk #Wildlife
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who inspired change through courage, compassion, and the unwavering belief that we can build a better world together. #MLKDay #Unity #Conservation
Our Avian Care Specialists create enrichment using natural materials like fur and fish to help encourage species appropriate behaviors. Then Onyx, our ambassador Raven, puts that enrichment to the test, one popsicle at a time! #Enrichment #ProblemSolving #Ravens
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jake, one of our Red-tailed Hawk ambassadors.
Jake was a beloved presence at the Alaska Raptor Center, known for his unique personality and the many smiles he brought to staff and visitors alike. He will be deeply missed.
Did you know that Gyrfalcons are the largest falcon species in the world? Sable, our Peregrine/Gyrfalcon hybrid ambassador, shows off that impressive size perfectly! #PeregrineFalcon #Gyrfalcon #FalconHybrid #RaptorEducation
Great question. Koyu is a light morph Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk!
Update on one of our newest patients: Mahito, a Great Blue Heron.
Mahito arrived from Ketchikan underweight and hypothermic. After X-rays showed no additional injuries, he was warmed and began eating on his own. #WildlifeCare #GreatBlueHeron #WildlifeRehabilitation
Cold day = cozy perch + Bird TV 📺🦅
Enrichment like this helps keep Koyu’s mind active and encourages natural behaviors, even when she’s enjoying some warmth indoors. #TVtime #WhatAreYouWatching #Hawks
ANNOUNCEMENT: Our Gift Shop will be closed this week, January 5th-9th, while we take inventory. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back once it’s complete. Thank you for supporting the Alaska Raptor Center! 🦅
On behalf of the Staff, Volunteers, and Board of Directors at the Alaska Raptor Center, we want to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous new year.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey. Cheers to 2026! 🦅
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at the moments YOU loved most this year!
1. Meet our newest patient here at the Alaska Raptor Center, a Northern Pygmy Owl named King Owlbert by his rescuers. #small #owls #adorable
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at the moments YOU loved most this year!
2. Sitka, our resident Bald Eagle at the Alaska Raptor Center, is a majestic sight, and it's hard to believe she only weighs 14 pounds. #BirdsofNorthAmerica #AlaskanNature #DidYouKnow
