in which: i volunteer

Barred Owl

So I stopped by the Bird of Prey Conservancy yesterday. A young boy named, Ridge, answered the door. He looked confused and went and retrieved Kelly, the educational program director. She was very nice and actually let me inside! (last time I visited, a volunteer met me and said that because the facility was not open to the public, I could not come in. So he handed me a brochure and sent me in my merry way). She was gracious enough to show me around the small area that is their hospital for injured and sick birds, said that I would start out cleaning cages if did volunteer (no sweat - did that at the animal hospital I worked for). THEN! A man walks in with a cage, sets it on the ground and hands me a couple dollar bills instructing me to hide them. Huh? "Have a seat", Kelly tells me.

Suddenly, a boisterous raven comes hopping out of the crate and across the floor. "Wave a dollar," the man tells the boy, Ridge, and he does. The raven takes off running and then effortlessly glides up to snatch the money in his beak. I soon learn that this is Russel, he takes up donations at their educational programs. Myself and two others take turns waving bills in the air as Russel hops, runs and flies to collect and insert them into a big box labeled for donations. He gets meaty treats in between all this and the people surrounding me in this room are all smiles, joking lightheartedly, talking about the owl they've been expecting today...

                                                          O.M.G.

I'm in heaven. 

Soon Russel and the man leave. The phone rings and Kelly excuses herself, telling me to feel free and ask the volunteers questions. Ridge and Angel (pronounced "Onhel", a young man who's parents are from Mexico, making him sound as though he is as well). "Well, the worst part physically is probably when they need us to add onto the barns, as in building, or occasionally when we need to cut down a tree", explains Angel, "Emotionally... just getting attached to the birds. You know, sometimes they get really sick and there's nothing we can do to save them, or eventually when we have to set them free. That gets hard." "And the best part?", I ask. Almost in unison they both agree, "EVERYTHING ELSE." 

I stayed there a good 20 minutes at least. Kelly later probed me for various information: If I minded getting dirty? Could I gut a deer? Could I feed an owl a baby chick or mouse? (Oh lord...) To which I replied no, I can learn and if I have to. "I like you already!", she announces cheerfully. "Tell you what, normally, you would need to write us a letter explaining why you'd like to work with us, why you'd make a good addition, mail it to us and then interview. If you wanted though, you could even write it up tonight, bring it here tomorrow and we can get started on all the paperwork then. How does that sound?" "Amazing!", I exclaim. "Great! Well we look forward to seeing you soon then", she follows me out with a smile. 

People, the second I got in my car I was like a mexican jumping bean! IS THIS REAL?! Gruesome as some of it sounded, I have always wanted to learn how to handle and work with these magnificent predators. This totally an open door from God, I know it. And I'm so thankful for this opportunity - it's a gift!! 

I am 

Olli

{ps} Apparently, feeding the Golden Eagle is a big deal . Not much was explained about it, I just gathered it from questioning Ridge and Angel. Eeekk!!