Ricketts Conservation Foundation

A conservation non-profit working with private and public partners to study, protect, and enhance the populations of at-risk species.

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Taking off into 2021 like.... 🚀 🐦

RCF’s 2021 season is looking to be just as busy as our banding table! Full of tools, bands, books, gear, and of course birds! This Black-headed Grosbeak was banded by the team this past season as part of RCF's Monument Ridge project.

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Did you know that we partner with universities for research in the GYE? Last week RCF staff assisted researchers from @CUDenver and @YellowstoneNPS staff with Clark’s Nutcracker surveys to develop a monitoring protocol and as part of a habitat use study #corvidresearch

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

It takes a lot of work to build, deploy, vegetate, and maintain loon nest rafts! Over time, we encourage vegetation to take root and grow to mimic the loon's natural nest sites as well as minimizing our annual maintenance. #howitstartedvshowitsgoing #wildlifemanagement

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

In September, our founder Joe Ricketts and his family participated in the release of eight captive-raised cygnets in @YellowstoneNPS. Check out the press release below to learn more about Trumpeter Swan conservation in the park! https://t.co/t8xt9VRrDB

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

RCF conducted the 2nd annual Teton Loon Blitz to survey for loons in the park. Our hope is to detect as soon as loon pairs return to the park. We’re grateful for the work we get to do with our agency partners— especially in as beautiful a landscape as @grandtetonnps!

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

#LoonLessons Loons are incredibly territorial birds! When one loon intrudes on another’s territory, fights can turn vicious. Loons often stab and bite with their dagger-like bills from below—no loon (like the one pictured here) wants to be last on the surface!
📸: Kevin K Pepper

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Research conducted under Yellowstone Research Permit YELL-2020-SCI-8096.

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Ever wonder how buoys are set in lakes? Nesting loons in highly disturbed areas often rely on GYE agency closures to protect them during this sensitive period—RCF’s loon crew partners with the National Park Service to make it happen!

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Sandhill Cranes come together in massive flocks (tens of thousands of birds strong!) on their wintering grounds and during migration. We’re lucky to see Sandhills on Jackson Fork Ranch as they migrate and make their way to breeding grounds in Western Wyoming or further north!

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Couldn't resist sharing a few more RCF staff favorite photos for #earthweek!

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we at RCF are grateful for the spectacular creatures and places we get to study and help protect. Stay tuned for #earthweek staff favorite photos! 🌎 https://t.co/tf8lynKGGJ

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Social distancing and single digit temps haven’t stopped these Greater Sage Grouse from dressing up for a fun date!
Spring in Wyoming means the return of their dance-like leks!
https://t.co/cLAVdXoH82 #sagegrouse #conservation

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

... and check out number two on the leaderboard! 😏 #whereistheloonemoji

[Cornell Lab @CornellBirds]

Bring all 2,500 square feet of our visitor center's “Wall of Birds” mural into your living room! (Don't worry, it'll fit.) Explore all 243 beautifully detailed paintings—and learn about 375 million years of avian history. #BetterWithBirds https://t.co/fLvutVKkGA

[Ricketts Conservation Foundation @RickettsConserv]

Don’t forget the charismatic minifauna! Deer mice like this are just one of many small mammal species found in the GYE 🐭At Jackson Fork Ranch, we’re studying small mammal species and how their distribution changes in areas that have experienced wildfires.
https://t.co/8dqeabKO0V

[US Fish and Wildlife @USFWSMtnPrairie]

Male and female trumpeter swans looks very similar, but males are slightly larger and heavier. However, they do have different names! A female is called a “pen”, but what is a male called? Photo:@USFWS

A. Bro
B. Cob
C. Drake