Montana Raptor Conservation Center

19/07/2025

This morning, MRCC staff and volunteers successfully banded five 22-day-old American Kestrels that have made their nest on MRCC’s property. The nestlings comprised two females and three males. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Paulette Epple and the Sacajawea Audubon Society for overseeing this incredible project, which plays a vital role in monitoring the Montana American Kestrel population.

11/07/2025

Sent this beautiful eagle home that was admitted from the Big Timber area with extensive soft tissue damage to her leg and lower back. After 2 surgeries, couple rounds of antibiotics and almost 3 months in rehab she is finally back where she belongs. Sweet freedom!

08/07/2025

Join us for birds and beer this Thursday, July 10th, from 5:00-6:30pm MAP Brewing Co. to celebrate Prairie and Millie's 10th birthday!

06/07/2025

We are getting very low on wild game meat to help feed the birds in our care. It's been a busy year so far and we are flying through what we have on hand. The birds accept wild game meat that has not been processed into burger or sausage. We also do not take fish, poultry, or game birds. Thank you in advance!
If you have any questions call 406 585-1211.

19/06/2025

Did you know? Swainson’s Hawks feed their chicks with the typical “three R’s” of the North American buteo diet: rodents, rabbits, and reptiles. However, during the non-breeding season, adults primarily feed on insects like grasshoppers and dragonflies. Join us this Saturday at the Montana Audubon Center in Billings to find out what Chaco’s favorite food is!

17/06/2025

Attention Billings (And Eastern Montana) Residents: Are You a Raptor Enthusiast? Do You Enjoy Driving? Join Us at the Montana Audubon Center! Mark your calendars for June 21 at 12:15 PM to attend an informative presentation about raptors of Montana and volunteering as a transport driver with the MRCC.

13/06/2025

Join Us in Billings Next Saturday! - https://mailchi.mp/14b298906d0c/join-us-in-billings-next-saturday

May 17 Museum of the Rockies, 9:30 am and 10:30am Join us at the Hager Auditorium for an exciting adventure into the realm of dinosaurs, both ancient and contemporary. This summer, we will dive into various topics, with May’s theme centering on Baby Raptor Awareness. You’ll also discover MRCC’...

06/06/2025

Interested in staying up to date on all things MRCC? Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter below that is filled with great content including raptor information, community events and how you can help Montana raptors!! https://mailchi.mp/montanaraptor/mrcc-enewsletter-sign-up-page

04/06/2025

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a busy season at MRCC’s Raptor Hospital. We've already admitted 69 raptors in 2025. As the season progresses, raptor chicks will begin to hatch and fledge, leading to a surge in calls about young birds found out of their nests.

🦉When to Intervene:
-If the baby raptor is visibly injured (broken wing, bleeding, etc.).
-If it is in immediate danger (busy road, cat, dog, predators, etc.).
-If you are certain the parents are deceased and have not been tending to the young bird for an extended period of time.

🦉What to Do:
-Call MRCC immediately at 406.585.1211.
-DO NOT FEED THE RAPTOR. They have very specific dietary needs, and improper feeding can cause serious harm both physically and mentally. Young birds, if fed by humans, can imprint. An imprint raptor loses its natural fear of humans which can lead to dangerous interactions. Once a raptor imprints you cannot reverse it.
-If intervention is necessary, gently place the raptor in a crate or cardboard box lined with soft material.
-Keep the box in a safe, quiet, and dark area until MRCC is able to arrive or if you are able to help transport the bird to the raptor center.

27/05/2025

Our primary phone line is currently out of service, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause! 🦅 Unfortunately, we won't be able to restore it until next week. In the meantime, if you encounter an injured raptor, please call or text 406-404-4277. For other inquiries, reach us at 406-920-3235.
Thank you for your understanding and for your concern for our feathered friends!

22/05/2025

EXCITING NEWS!!! MRCC DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION, BECKY KEAN, SELECTED FOR PARTNERS FOR WILDLIFE FELLOWSHIP

Partners for Wildlife (P4W) is a program hosted at the Raptor Center in collaboration with the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Each year, P4W awards eight people a regarded fellowship designed to advance animal welfare by deepening participants’ expertise in wildlife rehabilitation. The fellowship supports wildlife rehabilitators and licensed veterinarians who are committed to professional growth, knowledge sharing, community building, and expanding access to critical resources for wildlife care.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Becky has been selected to join this prestigious cohort. We can’t think of anyone more deserving, and we know she’ll represent our organization—and the wildlife we serve—with excellence!

17/05/2025

This adult female Bald Eagle was brought in the beginning of March from Paradise Valley for a badly fractured femur. Healing was slow going but finally we were able to send her home. Sweet freedom!