Monday, November 2, 2009

The Raptor Center Clinic

As an education volunteer over at The Raptor Center I spend most of my time interacting with the public or helping to take care of our education birds but the week before last I was helping at the annual Care and Management of Captive Raptors Workshop and I got to spend some time down stairs in the clinic.
I have been down in the clinic on several occasions in the past, to drop off an injured bird or watch them work on some of our ed birds, but I try not to go down there to often because I do not want to get in the way. However on this occasion my task was to get some pictures during the workshop which meant some time in the clinic with my camera.
The Care and Management of Captive Raptors Workshop is intended to educate and give some basic hands on experience to people who are working with captive raptors. Participants came from all over the United States and had various degrees of experience. During the workshop participants spent part of their time upstairs working with the education staff on subjects such as operant conditioning, food preparation and raptor handling. The remainder of their time was spent down in the clinic learning basic techniques such as cropping beaks, trimming talons, hydrating a bird and more under the supervision of the veterinary staff.
I found the work in the clinic very interesting, since I do not see this side of The Raptor Center every day, and I took quite a few pictures, including one of this barred owl. It is obvious that this owl is suffering from some problems with self esteem. Most likely none of the other reindeer will let him play in any of the reindeer games. He was found in the far north accompanied by an elf that wanted to be a dentist. His injuries are most likely the result of an attack from an abominable snowman.

13 comments:

Helen said...

That would be interesting to see all that. Helen

Carver said...

What a great clinic. Very interesting to read about and see your shots.

Eve said...

That would be such an interesting experience! I really enjoyed the photo of the owl!

Sylvia K said...

What a great clinic! We do have something similar here in Seattle, but I've never been inside. Such an interesting post and terrific photos as always! And I LOVE the photo of the owl and your description!! Biggest smile of the day!

Have a great week!

Sylvia

Dirkjogt said...

Wow, it's great that you're able to work with raptors.

Unknown said...

What a treat to be told to do something you like to do - take photos. They're great ones, too!

marcia@joyismygoal said...

Oh wow that was a once in a lifetime peek into that kind of life for me that was a very intersting cool series definitely different than I am used to Thanks for sharing that

Sistertex said...

Beautiful post. Beautiful birds. I love the rapture center, great place. Very interesting and very worth while place.

Martha Z said...

Great shots and a very interesting post.
Maybe after a little TLC the owl will be welcomed to play.

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic opportunity. Great photos!

troutbirder said...

Fascinating. It's good to know people care.

http://graceolsson.com/blog said...

Great shot, of course...but your work shows me HOW U ARE SPECIAL.
I worked 2 years in African continent with refugees children...but never with animals...congrats
have a nice day
graceolsson.se/mittliv

Valerie said...

Very interesting. I had a bird for 17 1/2 years, a small cockatiel (not quite as big as your birds) but we had to learn to trim the beak and nails and wings. It was quite an experience.