4/25/08

progress



As I type these words, I sit here with this fabulous creature on my fist. He is beginning to become accustomed the feel of my hand in place of a limb or branch. I can feel his body starting to relax, and just when I think all is well and it is time to move on the the next step, he quickly changes his mind and will once again clamp down with his needle sharp talons on my hand. With each clench, I am grateful for the protective leather glove, and remind myself once again to check the seams. I can’t help but feel for this beautiful creature, every encounter he has had with man has been a negative experience. They don’t know that the people that rescue them did not cause the pain that got them in this predicament in the first place. They do not comprehend that the veterinary treatment that they have had to undergo was to help them heal, and ideally have the opportunity to be released back into the wild and beautiful land where they rightfully belong. Therefore, my time with them I have to show them the utmost patients and help them to see that I WILL NOT under any circumstances cause them pain. No wonder he looks at me as if I am an evil demon here to consume his soul. Each day I can see the confusion and then the understanding that crosses behind his eyes as I reward him for every small step that he takes toward finally trusting me. Each of these birds has so much personality and the rehab birds come with their own pile of issues to work through. We have already come a long way in the few days that we have been working together.






12 comments:

b13 said...

What a regal creature. How lucky you are to be able to work so closely with them and rehab them back into nature. I am envious ;)

kjpweb said...

A wonderful description of your progress. Kudos!
Cheers, Klaus

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Stacey ~ it sounds so similar to my working with rescue dogs and cats. You are doing a wonderful job ~ keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Such stunning beauty,
and the Red-tailed Hawk is quite nice as well.

Seriously Stacey, your dedication and enthusiasm jumps out of the screen at me. Its good that people like you look after our wildlife. Keep up the good work.

Dave Coulter said...

Hmm. I think I'd start out with sparrows!

Anonymous said...

Falconry is all so fascinating. My husband and I are so in awe of those birds. Beautiful creatures.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I'm used to saving my garden birds, and even get the odd wild one to sit on my hand, but not anyhting like these birds.

Stunning photos as always, post packed with so much info, and how jealous am I of the kind of birds i see you with here. You do a brilliant job with them.

A wildlife gardener said...

Wow! What a fantastic creature! Great to be looking after him and then re-homing him, I would imagine :)

Anonymous said...

Namaste' Stace, you are such a gorgeous girl inside and out. Your energy transfixed me from the moment I felt your site. Wild animals will feel that same energy and entrust in that, and will connect in their own ways with it.

You remain open to receive, thus it will always come to you.

metta
sky

Andrea said...

Is it a job or an hobby?
Whatever it is,is wonderful.
I think these Birds show us all the grace and the beauty of the world.

Bye

LZ Blogger said...

I love all of your shots here of the hawks and falcons! I get them around occasionally! ~ jb///

Debra said...

Stacey, I try to imagine what it must be like to look into and behind the eyes of a hawk, as you do...incredible and thank you for all your loving work with them.
debra