Earlier this week we met some friends at the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon. It had been on my list of “places to see” for quite some time and I’d really been wanting to go. We saw so many birds! Most were raptors (except for a few: a magpie and a raven, and the wild birds visiting the feeders.) Eagles. Falcons. Owls. Hawks. So many different kinds. I was really surprised how large the Red-tailed Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks were, I never knew they were that big. A volunteer explained to us that there was a wild Red-Shouldered Hawk that showed up that day and started gathering nesting material in a nearby tree (the center is also a wildlife preserve), and the Red-Shouldered Hawk at the center wasn’t very happy about it, being pretty vocal. The Turkey Vultures (which the sign called “The Ultimate Recyclers”) were not shy and came right up to the edge of the cage, where the boys were. Taking pictures was not always easy through the mesh netting around the cages, which is what my camera wanted to focus on. I thought the Barn Owls and the Snowy Owl were so beautiful. Bracken liked the little tiny owls and we all thought the Burrowing Owl was adorable. My very favorite bird of all, was the Peregrine Falcon. (The one I got the close-ups of, with my lens in zoom I looked closer than I was.) So many beautiful birds! I’d say it was definitely a hit with the boys and enjoyed by all. Ever since Bracken has been telling everyone about the “big birds” and stretches out his arms as wide as they’ll go to make his point.

Here is the Cascades Raptor Center’s mission from their website:

“Through wildlife rehabilitation and public education, Cascades Raptor Center fosters a connection between people and birds of prey. Our goal is to help the human part of the natural community learn to value, understand, and honor the role of wildlife in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

To accomplish this, CRC has two primary means:

Rehabilitation and release of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife, primarily birds of prey (raptors), using the highest standards of medical treatment and care, and the best facilities possible.

Public Education designed to enhance the awareness, respect, appreciation, and care of the earth and all its inhabitants so critical for a balanced and healthy planet. CRC uses live, permanently disabled/non-releasable birds, along with visual media and written material, to create a positive, first-hand experience of wildlife through on-site visits to the Nature Center and off-site presentations and exhibits at schools and public events.”

“This we know: the earth does not belong to us; we belong to the earth. All things are connected like blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. Humanity does not weave the web of life; we are merely strands in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.”

– Attributed to Chief Seattle, Duwamish