Introduction

Proximity to these proud and graceful creatures almost always inspires awe in those of us fortunate enough to have the opportunity. The beauty of soft and silent wings, fierce and golden or dark and intelligent eyes, the intricate patterns of color on feathers, those fine ancient talons and beak, the mighty effort of hatching, and the playful antics of young and growing minds all inspire a great range of feeling both in those who visit and work daily amongst the birds.

The efforts involved in healing the injured, rearing the orphaned without impression, and the ensuing work of fund-raising, educational programs, general animal husbandry, food stock breeding, new construction, and maintenance have created many opportunities for people with all sorts of skills to participate. Such work creates a richness of human interaction and creativity as well.

These pages are a collection of anecdotes and articles, essays and poetry that have arisen, and continue to do so, as a result of our efforts, experiences, as well as those stories known or perceived as of a few of the many injured or orphaned, but often resilient birds that have passed through our facility. Sometimes they are happy. Sometimes they are heart-breaking. Sometimes they are both.

We believe such stories speak of the human impact this endeavor achieves, which is as much a product of the Foundation’s work as the successful rehabilitation and release back to freedom of the thousands of injured and orphaned raptors over the lifetime of the organization.

Enjoy!

Elke Edwards