Raptors ~ Golden Eagles

Golden Eagles

Golden eagles possess astonishing speed and maneuverability for their size. Diving from great heights, they have been clocked at close to 200 miles per hour. Nests are huge, averaging some 5-6 feet wide, and 2 feet high, enclosing a bowl about 3 feet by 2 feet deep.
Cochise Stronghold Ranch is the perfect habitat for all raptors (Birds Of Prey)! We have partnered with the Arizona raptor Center to rehabilitate injured raptors and rescue abandoned juveniles. this process includes providing protective housing And Feeding, Medical and surgical care if needed and training juveniles to fly and hunt to eventually be released into the wild. educational workshops for the public and ongoing research will also be conducted. all species of raptors needing assistance will be included in this project, eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

Think Big. Act Bigger

Raptors are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to kill, trap, possess, trade, sell or harm them. Our goal at Cochise Stronghold Ranch is to provide a safe environment allowing Arizona Raptor Center to rehabilitate sick/injured Raptors (birds of prey), rescue abandoned juveniles, conduct research and educate the public at the ranch. Raptors arrive at the Arizona Raptor Center usually after being injured or often times as displaced juveniles that have been found. Common injuries include broken wings, legs and gunshots. Birds are assessed then given the required medical treatment. The ultimate goal is to release the Raptors back into the wild, but before this is done the Raptors must be able to hunt; meaning they must have strong flight and the ability to spot and capture prey. Cochise Stronghold Ranch provides ideal habitat for Raptors allowing researchers to observe: ~ The effect of lead on the Arizona Raptor population~ Habitat loss~ Muscle mass loss in captivity~ Tracking success of released rehabilitated Raptors The Arizona Raptor Center evaluates each Raptor that comes into the Center, looking for clues as to what may be happening in various Arizona ecosystems. This understanding will also extrapolate to other parts of the United States and potentially the world. The goal is to be able to address the challenges faced by birds of prey in the ever changing landscape of our modern world.
Services provided for rehabilitation of sick and injured Raptors include: ~ Imping – replacing broken feathers~ Repairing broken wings and legs~ General husbandry – feeding and caring for sick or displaced Raptors
What to do if you find a sick / injured raptor?Call Arizona Raptor Center at (602) 549-8482. Raptors are birds of prey and can be dangerous to handle so it is recommended to leave the Raptor where it is until a trained falconer can arrive to handle the Raptor. If you feel the Raptor is in immediate danger, take precautions to avoid being injured and place the Raptor in a closed box or crate at room temperature.
SINCE 2017 The Arizona Raptor Center has been dedicated to these amazing Birds of Prey... RaptorsIn addition to rehabilitation they have created a unique program to help educate the conservation-minded. Reaching out to the community with unique education programs, showing how birds of prey are important to the environment and the existence of all creatures on this earth and how a well-balanced eco-system is the solution. They assist the public in their understanding of how to live with birds of prey and their environment.
Arizona Raptor Center is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to provide science based education and resources to promote wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, to conduct education and humane scientific research to aid with the conservation of raptors both in America and worldwide and to provide world class care along with comprehensive medical care to raptors so then may bereturned to their natural habitats and once again become an integral part of the environment. Visit their website: arizonaraptorcenter.org

Jerry Ostwinkle

Master Eagle Falconer
Jerry Ostwinkle has been dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds of prey since 1984, beginning his career as a volunteer at the Arizona Game and Fish Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center with expertise in rehabilitating and handling eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, Jerry has become a nationally recognized authority in the field. As a falconer, he has achieved the esteemed rank of Master Eagle Falconer. In recognition of his significant contributions to conservation and education, Jerry was honored in 2014 by the Sonoran Antelope and Golden Eagle Society (SAGE) with the first-ever Jerry Ostwinkle Golden Eagle Conservation Award, named in his honor. Additionally, he received the prestigious Chairman’s Award from the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for 30 years of exemplary service and animal rehabilitation. This award is the highest conservation accolade bestowed by the commission, highlighting Jerry's exceptional dedication and impact on wildlife conservation.
Kalen Pearson
Falconer
An Arizona Raptor Center Team Member. Kalen Pearson is overseeing the Cochise Stronghold Ranch Golden Eagle project. Kalen obtained her falconry license in 2012 and has since flown and cared for a variety of birds of prey, including Hawks, Falcons and Eagles. She has a proven track record in rehabilitating sick and injured birds, ensuring they receive proper housing and medical care. Kalen's professional journey began at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Arlington, WA, where she worked with hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons, assisting with their treatment, medication administration and cage maintenance. Since 2021, she has been an integral part of the Arizona Raptor Center, contributing to the rehabilitation and release of numerous raptors. Her duties include administering medication, preparing food, monitoring intake, exercising raptors and cleaning cages.
With over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to avian care, Kalen's expertise significantly enhances our ability to successfully rehab and hack Golden Eagles, making the Arizona Raptor Center uniquely qualified for this critical conservation work.

Stacy Westerholm

Falconer
At the Arizona Raptor Center, Stacy Westerholm brings extensive experience and a diverse skill set in raptor conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education. She analyzes and organizes research data to inform decision-making and program development, provide general husbandry and medical care for raptors in collaboration with Arizona veterinarians and conducts engaging educational presentations to raise awareness about raptor conservation. Her background includes over 24 years of volunteering at the AZ Game and Fish Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center and serving as an officer and volunteer at Cry in the Wilderness. And now volunteering the last 7 yrs for Arizona Raptor Center. She has been a falconer for 7 years and has flown Hawks, Owls and a Golden Eagle.

Red-tailed Hawks

A favorite all year at Cochise Stronghold Ranch is The Red-tailed Hawk. They have a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like a raptor should sound. At least, that’s what Hollywood directors seem to think. Whenever a hawk or eagle appears onscreen, no matter what species, the shrill cry on the soundtrack is almost always a Red-tailed Hawk.
Raptor Support
The Arizona Raptor Center is the proud recipient of an educational grant from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation. Additional skills are brought to the Arizona Raptor Center with falconers who have degrees in biology. Based on funding they, along with volunteers conduct various field studies.