In 2009 at the Annual Rocky Mountain Raptor Auction, as we
were eating dinner, my friend, said, "why don't you join, this would be
right up your alley". So I went to the volunteer meeting and the
rest is history. It has been 5 years of excitement, knowledge, meeting
new friends, learning how to gut animals and not let it bother me and handling
our magnificent birds. The birds have effected me spiritually and
emotionally. Even though they are wild and don't particularly like us,
you can't help get attached. I think sometimes I have a favorite bird,
but it all comes down to I love them all and their special attitudes.
When I was an E1 trainee, it was time to get Swainson's Hawk
Female out to feed and weigh. Jean was my trainer, we went in together,
and SWHAF was very patient with me. Jessing and so on went well, but once
on my fist, I took a step backwards into a log and fell on my butt. I
made certain to keep my left arm up in the air, she never moved. I was
astounded.
Cynthia
RMRP Volunteer