Somehow last week I missed alot of Earth Day Celebration events. All these consciousness efforts for conservation of our very own Earth had passed me by. Not that I do not care. I do.
The future of our planet and human carbon footprint are just two of many new it-words (or popular terms) going abuzz these days. I’m still processing internally how I should approach and apply these consciousness efforts to save our planet. Anyway, one of these days I’d reluctantly discuss my carbon footprint.
Yesterday, I went to an invitational event from a local raptor center. The raptor center is a rehabilitation center that caters to injured birds of prey. Some birds can be fixed and set free in the wild; some, unfortunately cannot be fixed so they stay to educate people of their plight. Why do these birds get injured? One of the reasons, I’d say, is because of this so called ‘human carbon footprint’. You can just guess why. Human species are very intelligent. But due to this intelligence, we have destroyed more and will keep destroying ourselves and the other animals that exist on this planet. Yes, humans have done wonders. These wonders are smaller in number compared to the destruction humans leave behind.
Enough of the lecture. But before I show you the treats, this is how much it costs to take care of bird injuries at the center. Remember, there are additional costs to run the whole operation. And it’s only one of the rehabilitation centers all over the United States.
If you’d notice, having cats can be devastating to the flying species. I’m guilty for having cats.
NOW FOR THE TREATS.
Loki, a Barred Owl, the oldest Resident at the Center (hatched in 1981). He suffered multiple fractures to his left wing from a collision with a car in 1983. Loki reminds me, for some reason, of Tom Maroon, my precious cat. It must be the ‘gorgeous eyes’ and an adorable personality that both of them have. Isn’t Loki just beautiful?
Denali, obviously a Bald Eagle, is one of two newest eagle residents; brought in on December 2007. Hatched on Kodiak Island, Alaska and had wing injury when less than 1 year old. Extensive rehabilitation did not pan out and so she couldn’t be released.
Clio, an American Kestrel, was injured in Spring, 2004 when hit by a car while fighting with another Kestrel in a mating or territorial dispute. She suffered severe head trauma; blinded her left eye; most probably has impaired right eye. Kestrels need perfect vision on both eyes to survive since they are day-time hunters of smaller birds, large flying insects, small rodents and lizards.
This is just one of two or more postings of birds of prey and the raptor center. There will be more pictures and descriptions.
Ta-tat for now!
My fair “feathered” friends are very beautiful! They are magnificent up close, too. They are friendly, intelligent and I read somewhere they are ALL fond of lambs. Is this true?
If the lamb is very very small, like you Lampaii, even a kestrel might go after you. SO WATCH OUT, LAMPAII!
But I am already friends with the pygmy owls and they will protect me!