By Kathy Ross
In mid-September, 27 participants joined Flathead Audubon and Wild Wings volunteers, Karen Nichols and me, for a very memorable raptor identification workshop. The day was filled with surprises!
The workshop participants met many of the Wild Wings Educational Ambassador raptors who live permanently at the recovery center due to their injuries. Through educational workshops and programs, the raptors are given a voice for their species, and a special bond can form that benefits both human and raptor.
As a Wild Wings volunteer, the primary goal and greatest joy is being able to release an injured bird back into the wild. At the end of the program, the entire group shared in a gratifying experience as a rescued and rehabilitated Coopers Hawk was given its freedom. The young raptor circled overhead as it prepared to continue its long journey south. Later, a small kettle of Turkey Vultures flew low over the group and a Bald Eagle flew high overhead offering a real-time raptor identification opportunity, like those at the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch.
Thank you to FAS for sponsoring the workshop, with a special thanks to Beth Watne and all the dedicated volunteers at Wild Wings who helped make this a very special event. Also, a special, special thanks to the raptors for putting up with us!
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