Views from the Mews
June Newsletter from the Black Hills Raptor Center
Dear Friends and Supporters,
 
It is the third week of June. In the months of May and June, the property has received 10 inches of rain. TEN INCHES. And the rains across the Upper Great Plains continue.

The grass on the property is tall…great for hay…but it is too wet to cut it. Farm machinery will get bogged down in the moist earth.

Since December, we have been anticipating pouring concrete for the first building, the intermediate sized rehab pods. It is still too wet to get the work done. And so, we wait.

Raptors have to wait for their prey to expose themselves. They are the finest models of patience. For those individuals who are not patient and try to strike too soon, the prey escapes and the raptor misses a meal. Eagle and the Hare video

I liken us to the raptors. We are (trying to) be patient. We do not want to miss the opportunity to build a state of the art facility for birds. So, we simply wait on the weather, and ask for your support for these magnificent creatures that deserve care and rehabilitation.

Maggie Engler and John Halverson
Co-Founders
Spaghetti Feed and Bird Day Party for Elise - SUCCESS!
Saturday April 27 - What an Amazing Day!

You joined us. You contributed. And you helped celebrate the life of a 30 year old red-tailed hawk named Elise.

Our second annual spaghetti feed was a huge success. You raised $6,900 for the new building fund, and had a great time doing it.

Enjoy the photos, and watch for an announcement for the event date in the spring of 2020.
Elise and guests LOVED the cake! And she was surprised by all those humans eating her mice!
Help us complete the Water System to prevent further Damage!
Water We Gonna Do?
 
Wet raptors typically do not fly unless forced. Water weighs them down and feathers do not insulate well when wet.

BHRC needs YOUR HELP to prevent us from getting weighed down by water! Groundwater at the new property is very high this year. The (mostly installed) water system needs to be completed, SOON, to prevent potential damage to it. This includes connecting to the well we will share with our neighbors.

Our fundraising goal to complete the water system is $12,000 raised by June 30. As of Monday afternoon, June 24, we have received $6,120 or 51% of our goal.  

Please help us finish this important component of the entire building project.
Go to our website, www.blackhillsraptorcenter.org and click the Donate button. You will see the “Water Lines” project listed as one of the 4 options for contributions. Or, mail a check to BHRC, PO Box 9713, Rapid City SD 57709. Your contribution is tax deductible because we are a 501-c-3 organization. 
 
Help us build so we can help them fly! Donate today!!
  Night of Raptors & Soul
Black Hills Contraband is located at 601 Kansas City Street
Adjoining Hay Camp Brewery. Seating is limited, so come early!

(PLEASE share the link to this newsletter on Social Media to get the word out!)

  Upcoming Events:

 We've been invited to give our Educational Programs in a number of locations this summer:

June 30 - 1pm Public program at Jewel Cave National Park, Custer
July 6 - 10am Public program at Badlands National Park, Interior
July 13 -10am-3pm Meet&Greet at The Farmer’s Daughter, Hill City
July 27- 10:30am public program at the Meade County Fair,
Sturgis Brown gymnasium  
August 17 - 1-3pm Ellsworth AFB family program
August 24 - Afternoon program at Muley Madness, Mulie Fanatic Foundation, Sundance
August 31 - 8am-12pm Meet&Greet at the Black Hills Farmer’s Market, Rapid City
Sept 13 - All day West River Electric Customer Appreciation Day

Our Raptors look forward to seeing you there!
Public Programs & Meet 'n Greets
  • **Public Programs are a great opportunity to experience the avian ambassadors of the Black Hills Raptor Center. Grab a few friends and family and join us!
  • Meet 'n Greets are an open house with the birds. Stop by any time during the posted hours to catch a few photos and fun conversation.
These particular events are all free. All family fun.

Need Summer Raptor Wear?
Shop our store here https://www.blackhillsraptorcenter.org/store/ and order one today!

Please forward this on! AND PLEASE share this on social media, simply click icon below so all your friends and family learn more about our lovely birds. Thanks!