RIF's "I Love Animals" Writing Contest

Honorable Mention: 
Emily C.
Age 13
Salmon, ID

My Feathered Friends 

Since an early age I have loved animals. Living in the country, I have been exposed to an array of both domestic and wild animals. But, I was especially interested in all types of birds. My interest turned into passion because of an American Kestrel named "Birdie". She and her siblings were blown out of their nest near our house. All except her were killed. The gentleman who rehabilitated birds of prey for the Fish and Game Dept. had just retired. Because of my interest they gave my mom a temporary permit to care for the little falcon. We contacted the former rehabber for information on caring for a young Kestrel. Fish and Game gave us frozen mice and I caught grasshoppers for her.

She grew up so fast and soon it was time for her to fly free. I said my good-by and released her. I was surprised when she flew back and landed on my head ! Each day this scene was repeated until one day she flew high up into a tree. She spent her first night out. I was very worried about her. But, the next day, there she was waiting for food. "Birdie" remained free but would return occasionally for a tidbit. It was awesome when she would fly down from somewhere and land on me. We saw her all summer until the fall migration.

This wonderful experience made me realize that I wanted to work with birds of prey. Because I was ten at the time, I wasn't old enough to apply for the necessary Federal permit. My mom decided to apply. After much study and building a facility, we were ready. Rehab is very important because the first year for a raptor (bird of prey) is so dangerous. Many collide with cars or get electrocuted on power poles. It's wonderful to be able to work with them but sad that they need our help.

I was invited by Beth Waterbury, the non-game biologist for Fish and Game, to accompany her on a migratory bird tour in Salmon. She took me "under her wing" and has become my mentor. Every year now, my mom and I go with her on the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, birdwalks and bird bandings. I've attended lectures on raptors, read dozens of books and watched numerous films about birds of prey.

Recently I met Kate Davis from Raptors of the Rockies in Montana. She has inspired me to do my best to protect wildlife. When I'm older I'd like to give presentations to schools and clubs like she does. Judy Hoy, a rehabber from Montana ,is helping me learn how to care for injured birds. She taught me how to handle some of her resident raptors that cannot fly.

For my birthday, my parents took me to the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho. I saw the rare Aplomado Falcon and the Harpy Eagle which are endangered. Seeing them and learning how their numbers are dwindling made me truly realize I want to be an ornithologist and rehabber. I met Trish Nixon from the World Center when she came to our town to do a presentation and show us a Golden Eagle. Afterward, I showed her my pictures and record book that I kept on "Birdie", the Kestrel we rehabbed. She and I talked for a long time. She said that when I turn fourteen I could volunteer at the World Center. This is the year, and I can hardly wait to take her up on her offer.

Meanwhile, I've stayed busy helping my mom rehab eight Kestrels, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Saw-whet Owl, a Merlin, a Red-tailed Hawk and even a Canada Goose gosling and a Sora. Since last September we've been caring for a Golden Eagle. I help with feeding and cleaning.

The funniest experience I had was with two fledgling Kestrels. Their nest was found in an old dairy barn that was being demolished. They were very young so we had to hand-feed them. I named them "Sassy" and "Bratty" for obvious reasons. When they were fully feathered we released them. The day after, we went outside and were suddenly wearing two chittering "Kestrel corsages" that were pinned to our chests until we fed them ! This became a ritual for about two weeks until they found their own food.

Beth, from Fish and Game has given me the opportunity to monitor Osprey nests near our home. These are fish eating raptors. I am also going to be taking classes on bird photography and writing field notes. I feel that all I learn can help me share the importance of raptors with others. Many have shared their sightings with me as a result.

My mom is now an apprentice falconer. She has an American Kestrel named "Bobby”. He has become our little ambassador for birds of prey. Kestrels are beautiful birds, weighing about three oz. You can often see them hovering over fields looking for mice. We plan to take him to schools so the children can see our "pocket raptor" up close. I learned from watching Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, that the more you learn about animals the more you care about their survival.

One of my favorite parts of being a rehabber is the feeling I get when my mom lets me release a bird. It's so cool to see them free again. Even though this work is difficult, time consuming and sometimes sad, I truly believe in it. Raptors are extremely important to the environment. The more I interact with them the more I respect and cherish them

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