Time with Shihoh and Letisia

Yesterday we had an enjoyable outing with 2 exchange students. They are staying with a Rotarian friend of Aaron's. Shihoh is from Japan (Osaka) and Letisia is from Brazil (Sao Paulo, near the coast).  Shihoh had a "bucket list" from which we worked. Leaving on 9/6 to go home, she had 3 items remaining: Eating a buffalo burger, birdwatching, and going go-karting. We thought Paul would love to introduce her to some wild birds that are native to our area at the bird sanctuary. A good choice indeed.

When we arrived we were lucky to have the most knowledgeable bird-man in town there. He was feeding the male golden eagle some raw meat out of its cage. The girls were quite impressed.

The bald eagle gave us a show squawking a LOT and flapping his wings as the trainer came in to rinse the floor of his cage.

This volunteer was born at a military base in Japan - a fun connection to Shihoh.

Then we watched this one-eyed wonder pick apart a whole trout.

Later the bird-man brought out the female golden eagle (this is where Paul piped up that females are larger than males, just to impress bird-man). At this point the golden began to flap (she's attached by a leash at the foot) and flounder. she was eventually upside down for a bit before bird-man could get herback upright.

This bird is approx 30 yrs old. They usually live 20 or so in the wild.

They explained why they do not give the birds names - they want to remember that these are wild birds and not pets, so they refrain from naming even those who are with the Center for life. Kids are allowed to volunteer here at age 12 with an adult. Wouldn't Paul love that?

After our time here we went out for pizza and brought the girls back to their host family. Today the Rapture Center has 1 of its 3 annual open houses at its Rehab Center in Old Town. They receive about 300 birds every year and released about 80% of them back to the wild, within a 10 mile radius of where they where found.  I think I will take Paul this afternoon so we can see some owls. So this post may be part 1 of 2.