MN Raptor Center – October 2010

Me with a peregrine falcon.

I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 Raptor Care and Management course at the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Centre – which was an absolutely amazing experience.  The centre itself is well deserving of its title as one of the world’s leading bird of prey facilities – with a fantastic staff, incredible birds, dedicated volunteers, and incredible vision.

I’m not sure if everyone realizes just how big bald eagles can be!	A rehabilitated barred owl about to go back into the wild, ironically in the town where I live.	Learning to correctly wrap ball bandages to help heal damaged feet.

A badly overgrown beak in need of coping (an education bird).	Same bird, beak nicely coped and shiny!	An amazing demonstration of the effectiveness of acupuncture on a bald eagle.	Interdigit bandaging practice.
A young eagle patient.	Injured bald eagle.	The incredible, massive ear opening of a great grey owl.	Eye exam on a great horned owl.
Owl eyes are so big and set in their head in such a way they are immobile (the owl moves its head instead of its eyes themselves).	Beautiful female peregrine.	Learning to give vital fluids.

The Raptor Centre is an amazing place – you can learn more about it (and these care and management classes) at their website : http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/