Lori Dueck, Calgary

For as long as I can remember I have thoroughly enjoyed being in nature; on land, in water and in the sky; breathtaking beauty through touch, sound and sight. I am thankful there are bird sanctuaries for our orphaned or injured feathered friends. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Alberta’s Birds Of Prey Sanctuary in Coaldale, Alberta.

At the sanctuary you can experience the birds with different senses; touch, sound and sight as you interact closely with these magnificent creatures. Since 1982 they have been a safe haven to many hawks, falcons, eagles and owls. They live on 70 acres of wetlands. The facility rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds of prey and prepares them for release back into the wild. However, many of the injured birds cannot be released in the wild. They are protected and greatly cared for by the friendly, informative staff.

We were warmly greeted by the newest member of this feathered family, a beautiful baby owl (owlet). Everyone flocked together to watch the flying demonstrations. We had front row seats to watch a bald eagle named Jefferson fly. I was privileged to have the opportunity to touch him just before his flight exercises. There are two posts, a distance apart that the birds fly to and fro as their handlers signal.

They offer them meat as a reward. That day chicken was on the menu. As the bird flies, their handlers educate the crowd, sharing personal stories about the birds. Flight birds are weighed daily. If they are too light they don’t have enough energy to fly. If they are too heavy, they will fly away as the don’t need the meat they are being offered.

Among the stories we were told, two caught my attention. The first of these stories was; “once a bald eagle named Lincoln flew away during a flight demonstration. All the employees kept watch for his return, offering him meat. Finally, after a few days, he was hungry. He was lured back.

The second story would have been much more painful. “One of the eagles was in a playful mood. He bit off one of the handlers ears. Ouch!” Thankfully one of the other staff members drove him to the hospital to have his ear stitched back on. This is a very important lesson: “Be careful with wildlife!”

After the flight demonstration the bald eagle is put back on his perch, attached to the leather strap by his pool. He is cooled off with a shower that the visiting children give him by spraying a fine mist of water as he rests on his perch.

Only the birds unable to be released are used for demonstration or interactions with visitors.

We walked around the property enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, ponds and other birds before returning to see the hawk take his first flight in public. He didn’t seem to have stage fright.. It was the same as the eagle’s flight; equally spectacular.

Next we visited the owls. This is one of my favourite birds. Every opportunity I have to visit and to hold one, I am right there ready! We saw many types of owls, including barn owls, great horned owls, burrowing owls and a snowy owl. We were given the privilege of holding two different owls before the crowd developed. The handler uses gloves. Thankfully so do we!

First we held a burrowing owl. My heart melted as I looked into his yellow eyes staring into mine; locked in a gaze The handler had to coach him to look at the camera for a couple of the photos.

The second owl we held was a great horned owl. Once again we were geared up with the glove for safety. He was much heavier to hold; equally amazing. We were given the opportunity to pet the owls gently before letting the next visitor have their rare experience too.

I think there is a balance of joy at the Sanctuary. We enjoy interacting with the birds as we learn more about them. An opportunity that is rare, nearly impossible in their natural habitat. The birds are given an opportunity to thrive when they may not have still been alive! The money from admission fees and the gift shop purchases goes directly to feeding and looking after the birds.

Until the next special adventure, I will continue to enjoy the eagles, hawks and an occasional owl that soar in the skies of my own back yard.
Lori Dueck’s email is: natureisbeauty70@gmail.com. and would enjoy any feedback on this column.