The Raptor Resource Project is a bright ray of light in an otherwise dark endangered species world. Through their dedicated efforts, countless individuals and classrooms have become educated with regard to the beauty and endangerment of the raptor population. I have watched their live-stream of two eagle nests in Iowa for the past seven years as well as become a monthly donor to the organization. Our society is better off with RRP here and generations yet to be born will thank them for helping to avoid the extinction of this marvelous species.
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I discovered the Raptor Resource Project (RRP) in 2013 through their live streaming of the Decorah eagle nest and the incredible gentle lessons taught regarding the way of the eagle. I feel like I have had a new world open for me with regard to the patience and perseverance of both the eagles and the incredible folks from RRP. RRP teaches us viewers so much and in so many ways. Some is through the remarkable blogs written on the RRP research but most are though the incredible community guided by RRP that has arisen as we have shared both the miracles and sorrows of life as an eagle in the modern world. When I first experienced the late Bob Anderson, I immediately realized that he was the real deal. That his dedication and love for the raptors was a total rarity in our society. RRP contributes an incredible source of positive energy to our weary planet in each of its activities. There aren't too many people or organizations that I would say this about. A deep bow of appreciation to all the folks carrying on Bob's legacy and vision. I am proud to be a small part of this community and to make a monthly donation to its activities.
The Raptor Resource Project's mission is to preserve and strengthen raptor populations, expand participation in raptor preservation, and help foster the next generation of preservationists. I have been a volunteer for the Raptor Resource Project for about 10 years now and I strongly believe in their mission and all they do in educating young children about RRP and raptors. The founder of the Raptor Resource Project, Mr. Bob Anderson was responsible for bringing back the peregrine falcon population. After his death, John Howe, became Executive Director of the Raptor Resource Project and is now carrying on Bob's mission. These links offer more on Bob Anderson, RRP and John Howe. https://www.raptorresource.org/about-us/remembering-bob-anderson/ https://www.raptorresource.org/2015/08/31/a-message-from-the-director/
The Raptor Resource Project aka RRP came into my life back in the Spring of 2011. I fell in love with eagles on a nest in Decorah, Iowa by watching them on the internet. I can't thank RRP enough for providing a camera into a world I had not really noticed. Over the years I became a volunteer for them in the chat room on their website and now that chat room and an added educational chat room for students and teachers across the world, is available for teaching and learning about Bald Eagles. They built a banding station for raptors near Luther College in Decorah, IA, where college students interested in environmental studies and conservation can have Hands-on experience. Their cameras and projects bring people closer together where all can share their passions for raptors and nature. Thank you, Raptor Resource Project, for all that you do. Thanks for touching my life and the lives of many others. Screenshots taken from the Raptor Resource Project website.
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I started watching the Decorah Eagle cam in 2011 and became a volunteer for them in 2012. Why? Because the eagle cam showed me the wonders of nature up close and personal, amazing me every step of the way and taught me that together, people can share, learn, and make a difference in this world, both environmentally and to each other. I was not aware of issues like lead poisoning in raptors caused by lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle, not aware of death by electrocution from power lines and death from car collisions. Part of RRP's mission is to "help foster the next generation of preservationists" and they are doing just that. There are many classrooms across the U.S. and the world watching the eagle cam now. With over 341 million views since 2011 on Ustream, the eagle cam is the most watched wildlife education camera in the world. It helps to remind all of us that we must be stewards of our environment which will help perpetuate wildlife. Additionally, because of the efforts of Raptor Resource Project's original director, Bob Anderson, the Peregrine Falcon made a comeback to the Central United States and the Mississippi River cliffs. Some of the Decorah Eagles offspring, through tracking devices, have been and are currently part of a longitudinal study of raptors post-dispersal which will help us to learn of breeding and feeding grounds and the necessity to preserve these areas. Last season’s acceptance of a man-made starter nest might possibly lead the way for increasing populations of birds where needed. RRP has made a difference in so many ways to both the world and the people that watch their cameras. I would hope that this review will inspire others to donate and participate in, this worthwhile organization.
I've given to many charities over the years, and you often wonder where your money goes. Not so with RRP! They have installed and upgraded fantastic camera systems and audio equipment at the Decorah nests which are located near the Decorah Fish Hatchery on Siewer Springs Road - all for the benefit of avid eagle watchers. Their main goal at the Decorah nests is educating the public on all things eagle, and along with a general chat room for the public, they also have a dedicated chat just for students and teachers to access. These chat rooms are moderated with extremely knowledgeable people who provide answers to a wide range of questions. They provide links to educational resources that explain their answers in more detail, and a wide array of videos showing eagle behaviors that pertain to the queries. The moderators and camera people donate their time and are not paid. However, eagles are not the only raptors they focus on - they also monitor owls, red tail hawks, kestrels, peregrine falcons, vultures, etc. Everyone who volunteers their time, energy, and knowledge to RRP are fully committed to furthering the raptor population and educating the public so that each species may continue to grow and thrive. In addition to providing the world with live feeds from the Decorah nests they also band raptors and do camera, equipment, and nest box maintenance at several sites. Over the years, RRP has also fitted a few eagles with transmitters to be able to track where they go when they leave the nest (fledge and disperse). This has provided a wealth of information that had never been available before. Not only does it give an idea of where they go and why, but it also alerts us to the perils they must avoid, such as wild fires in Canada that made one eagle have to divert from its intended course. The Decorah eagle viewers are from every continent in the world, as indicated on the visitor map on their site. In that respect, they have united a global audience together for the same goal.
I donate to this cause whenever I can because I truly believe in their mission and admire and respect their dedication.
I have been a volunteer with and a donor to this organization since 2011. Their commitment to education is phenomenal. Within the past five years RRP lost two key board members: Rob McIntyre, the Board President and, in 2015, Bob Anderson, the founder of Raptor Resource Project. The organization strengthened after each loss and continues the legacy and mission of RRP. They are terrific stewards of raptors. Their website at raptorresource.org and their Facebook page at Raptor Resource Project are full of information. This is the organization with the cameras on the world famous Decorah Bald Eagles. Additionally this organization's commitment to the peregrine falcon is something to behold. They have several eagle cams, many falcon cams and kestrels cams. You will find a camera and a nest that will delight and enthrall you!!
If you love raptors or just the preservation of wildlife, this is a terrific organization to support. RRP has incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect these beautiful birds and to give the public an intimate peek at raptor life via the wonderful nest cams. I'm hooked on the Decorah Eagles! :)
Review from Guidestar
The Raptor Resource Project, most commonly known as RRP, is responsible for the Decorah Eagle cam. The cam has had such an impact all over the world. It has brought a nest of a pair of bald eagles into so many homes; it has educated and inspired so many lives. But, the Decorah cam is just a small part of all the work RRP does. RRP monitors more than 50 nests of owls, bald eagles, red tail hawks, kestrels, peregrine falcons, vultures, etc. Because of RRP the population of peregrine falcons is on the rise. Now they have another very important project, to save the Philippine eagle, a national bird that is in peril of extinction if something is not done soon. Knowing the dedication of RRP, they will be successful. It's amazing how some organizations like RRP, with so little resources can do so much. Bob Anderson and all the volunteers are dedicating their lives for such great cause, to save raptors and they are great at it!!
Raptor Resource Project monitors at least 53 nest sites that include falcons, kestrels, eagles, owls, and a turkey vulture. Their objective is the preservation of raptors. In helping to educate millions through the live streaming of nest cameras, they are bringing awareness to the general public. I believe their work in bringing the Peregrine Falcon back to the cliffs of the Mississippi River is unprecedented. This is a small but mighty organization.
I had always thought eagles were majestic birds, but I knew little about raptors in general. Since finding RRP on Facebook, then viewing the nestcams, I have gained an education unlike I would have imagined. The connection with the raptors, as well as the staff and volunteers, has become very personal and genuine for me and thousands of others. It is impressive to watch their response to the concerns of so many people as they care for and promote the raptor population. This is truly human-kind at it's best. I look forward to following the adventures of the Decorah eagles daily, and welcome the information RRP shares about the plight of raptors everywhere.
I found this eagle camera in 2011 when RRP switched to Ustream. The picture and sound quality were so advanced in comparison to other eagle sites it blew me away. The chat room was focused on sharing information about eagles with civility and helping each other understand what we were seeing.
RRP has as one of it's primary goals educating students about all raptors. The word “students” encompasses all ages from 2 year olds who sit on grandma/granpa's laps and learn at the most rudimentary level to 93 year olds who gather in community rooms to complete their life long journey of watching nature, now on screen rather than hiking through woods. I know this is life changing for all; it certainly has changed my life for the better and not just from the knowledge gained about the natural, wild world but in making me a better person.
RRP also has a goal of raptors first. Their initial thought in doing anything is how can we gain information in the least intrusive way possible. They also have the well being of the eagles, falcons, and turkey vultures they monitor in the forefront of their thoughts at all times.
Just as eagles are frugal (value for expenditure), RRP has proven time and time again that donations are used in the wisest ways possible.
This is a very dedicated group that is led by a passionate director. They are focused on educating the public on raptors and also saving these beautiful creatures. I discovered RRP by accident this past spring. I've followed them every day since, especially watching the 2014 Deborah eagles. Despite some of the heartbreaking events that occur, they keep going with the utmost professionalism and enthusiasm. They're wonderful, never giving up on their mission, no matter what the challenge.
I researched about Bob Anderson and Raptor Resource Project for quite some time before I decided to spend my time watching their cams and my money donating. The organization has integrity and a true passion for their mission. They are incredibly responsible from a fiduciary point of view and they are appreciative for their donors.
I started watching the Decorah Eagle Cam this year and have now become an Eagleholic! I then started watching some of their other bird cams. From there I started checking out their Facebook page everyday for updates and still make it my first thing to do when logging into my computer. All of the people connected with RRP do an amazing job at educating the public concerning many raptors. The bird cams (especially the Decorah Eagle Cam) are awesome! I am constantly passing on the information learned from RRP to my friends and family. Every day my family gets 'Eagle Updates', whether they want them or not. All of the RRP personnel are volunteers & devote an unbelievable amount of their time to helping our raptors through banding, placing transmitters for tracking on some birds, and both collecting information for furthering education as well as spreading this information for education of the general public. RRP is an amazing site with totally awesome volunteers!
This organization has brought to my life an amazing experience... watching the birth, growth and life of a bald eagle. I am so thankful to Bob Anderson and everyone else that helps to preserve and protect these awesome feathered friends! I will forever be grateful!! Thank you so much for all you!!
This is an amazing site to follow. I have learned so much and I am so thankful to have found this group and to be able to follow the Eagle family. It has become my reality TV. Mr. Bob Anderson and his amazing organization is truly wonderful.
This was our first year watching the Decorah Eagles and we are hooked for life! All of the volunteers at RRP should be rewarded with "Gold Medals"! They had a very busy year with heart breaking situations and they persevere. We were kept informed and educated constantly. They never give up hope for our feathered friends! We love the Eagles & RRP! Thank You for all you do!
Cork & Barb from Wisconsin
Everything I know about eagles I learned from watching the Decorah eagle cam. I have been watching since 2011 and have made donations through the link on ustream. RRP is the only organization where I have seen them close donations for the year because they had met their goal. Bob Anderson's passion for raptors is evident when you hear him speak. I'm thankful for all he does for raptors!
This is the most remarkable site. They help the entire world learn about the eagles and the wonderful raptors they are. I have learned so much about these beautiful birds and letting everyone in the world view this site adds to the enrichment of our world and the people in it. The young students who visit this site will forever be changed. Their world and knowledge of these birds will carry them on for the rest of their lives. THANK YOU!!
Bob Anderson has created an amazing organization that became famous four years ago when they began broadcasting live 24/7 from the Decorah Eagle nest. They have educated the world with their coverage of these bald eagles and their support of other live camera sites. More importantly they have worked to reintroduce raptors to habitats where they had disappeared due to ignorance and pesticides.
Outstanding organization. The feed on ustream with the Decorah eagles has educated so many people about the eagles. Their work helping the falcons is top notch.
These guys do an absolutely fantastic job - I've learned so much and become so connected to the Decorah Eagles!
2011 they lied about what they were doing they said they were not banding the eaglets, they get mad and ban you from their site if you ask questions, 2014 Why is someone allowed to put a transmitter on an eaglet the day after it has fallen from its nest? it can't or won't fly, and has been chased down and captured two separate times after the harness was attached. why are they allowed to harass this bird? If eagles are protected why is this allowed.. I know there are studies but shouldn't the well fare of the subject be protected? The eaglet has 2 siblings that fell from the tree as well one is at a rehab center recovering from surgery and the other is on the ground, and now has a harness transmitter as well. Aren't there guidelines to follow or rules when transmitting a protected bird?... this bird was stressed before it was captured. When is enough, enough? now it is said they are doing it to see were the siblings go. but do not back this up.. is there a study I am not aware of? because rrp has their lips sealed... and they are calling it educational but delete questions or ban you instead of answering your questions.
While this organization has done some good work, most notably with peregrine falcons, it has now turned into more of a "show-biz" operation.
I was involved in the Decorah Eagles Webcam in 2011, and was very disappointed to find out that the organization is using the cam as strictly a fund-raising vehicle, and while claiming to be educational, contributes nothing to the spread of knowledge about eagles.
As nearly as I can tell, most of the money taken in is being spent on upgrading web cams, and not on anything beneficial to raptors, or even to the dissemination of knowledge about them.
Review from Guidestar
I have been following Raptor Resource Center for 3 years now and have been involved in the fund raiser that we had after one of the Decorah Eagles was electrocuted last year. Bob Anderson ( The founder) and others in the organization have been SO open and helpful as we looked for ways to help ensure that future generations of Raptors in the Decorah area were safe. Bob worked with the local High School in designing Avian Safe Perches and worked with the local power company in deciding which poles were the most important to have them installed. Bob always makes himself available for groups of folks who are coming to Decorah...he met with a group of us in July for dinner and he is a most humble and intelligent man!!! You can tell how he loves his Raptors, just from the look on his face when he talks about them!!! I can tell you that the work he is doing is very important...for the safety and reproduction success of all of our raptors. God Bless you Bob Anderson and Raptor Resource Project.
Review from Guidestar
Subject: decorah eagles
Eagles represent FREEDOM and I am dismayed that the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah, Iowa, is putting such a cumbersome contraption on the eaglets just so they can track them. What gives them the right to impose their will on these birds??? Furthermore, I think it is criminal for them not to have a more advanced, smaller, less intrusive way to track them, if it's so important. Given the contraption that is on them, they cannot bury their heads in their feathers with that big, bulky backpack on their backs.
I have read their propaganda and their excuses for doing this to the raptors and I see NO good reason or outcome to 'track' them.
There are many of us, who disagree with placing such a cumbersome tracking device on the eagle babies, and I would like to know what gives your organization the right to interfere with the free will and lives of any raptor?
Review from Guidestar