Exactly 5 weeks ago, I started volunteering at Sardis Raptor Center. It's a little piece of heaven to me. Sardis is a bird of prey rescue and rehabilitation center here in Whatcom County. The people of Sardis rescue wounded birds of prey and give them the medical assistance that they need. Birds that can be, are released back out into their natural environment. Birds that are unable to care for themselves in the wild are kept at the center and used to educate the community about animal conservation. For more information go here. I have always wanted to do this, but felt that I never had the time. I have the same amount of time now as I always have, but I finally decided to go for it. And I am SO glad that I did.
I spend every Saturday morning up to my elbows in chicken guts and blood, raw cow livers, and occasionally even some things that used to be fish. The smells are... Beyond description. I scrub poop out of cages and wash bloody dishes. And I am SO happy. :D
The very first day, I got to walk into an enclosure housing 8 Bald Eagles and 1 Turkey Vulture. An enclosure housing a Barred Owl. An enclosure housing a Great Horned Owl... I put out food for them, cleaned out and filled their water dishes, and gathered the left-overs. It is truly breathtaking. I get to spend time with and care for some of God's most amazing creatures.
Since the first day, I have fed pretty much every bird in the center... Golden Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, Barn Owls, and even a Sea Gull! In a couple of months I will get trained on how to handle the birds on gloves! So exciting!!! Last week was huge... We were very low staffed as most of the volunteers were away on a show. There was only one volunteer there who was trained to handle the birds... We have an Osprey in the clinic who has to be hand fed. This other volunteer needed help, and I wasted NO time in offering! He caught her in a sheet and handed her to me! I got to hold her for about 20 minutes while he fed her then cleaned out her cage. I was ridiculously happy! Today, as he and I were the only volunteers in, I got to hold her again! I also got to hold an immature Red Tail Hawk while he gave it an injection. :D I was also graduated to feeding the birds in the enclosures on my own.
I can't really explain how happy I am every Saturday. Words are not enough. I spend each day anxiously awaiting the return of Saturday. I am brought nearly to tears by the wonder and beauty of these animals. I can't see me ever getting used to the feeling of privilege I experience in the presence of these phenomenal birds. If you get the chance, come out and see them. I would love to take you on a tour, and share my love of these birds with you. (We are open to the public on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm.)
Have a blessed day. :)
