A “Birds of Prey” Day…
Getting up at 4:45 AM 3 days a week is tough, but it was definitely worth it today! As I hurried to get my usual early morning activities done such as getting ready to school, taking the dogs out then feeding them and then letting them go back to bed (haha), I couldn’t wait to leave for school. I rushed out of the house just before 6 am with my shoelaces still untied and a protein shake in my hand. Today we actually get to touch an animal at the zoo!!! In fact we get to hold Owls on our arms!!
Every other early morning at the zoo, our group of 25 students pile into the classroom for role call, usually tired and trying to hide in our hoodies. Today there was excitement in the room! We all got to go down to the Mews where the Birds of Prey reside, and 2 of them were taken out for us. We have recently learned how to tie a Falconry Knot and we had to demonstrate this first, then we got to go line up to take turns holding each of the owls on one arm, then tynig the knot with the other hand. Nova was the Great Horned Owl and Sweet Pea was the Barn Owl. This experience was awesome and really reminds me of why I am here and what is yet to come : )
The hardest part of this week has been the weather – its been SO incredibly hot here. It was over 90 degrees in the shade yesterday at the zoo.
We have just learned about Animal Attacks and what to do if we get attacked by various animals. Nothing has happened yet but it can happen and probably WILL happen. When we’re working with dangerous animals, anything can happen. Even a seemingly nice and calm animal can suddenly change.
The only thing so far that’s happened to me since I got here is I was bitten by a rat. It bled, it hurt for several days but in the grand scheme of things it’s incredibly minor as I’m sure much worse will happen….
Aug 27, 2009 @ 12:47:48
Raptors are my favorite, besides the big cats of course. Having a large bird of prey on your arm is such a rush I’ve done it three times so far over the past couple of years and LOVE IT!… I’m so jealous of you right now LOL. I’d totally be a falconer, if I didn’t live in the city and rent ha ha ha. Owls are “ok” but I much prefer hawks and falcons.
As for the learning of what to do when animals attack …that must have been an interesting class. 😉
Sab
Aug 27, 2009 @ 15:29:37
How cool is that! What an exciting day!
Aug 27, 2009 @ 18:13:02
Wow, it’s been so much fun reading your post. I love being able to experience something so cool through your eyes. Please keep posting updates. I am glad your are doing well and are having fun. I certainly would have a hard time getting up that early. Glad that’s not me!
xoxo, Christine
Aug 28, 2009 @ 11:14:44
That’s amazing Jess! I’m so glad that you get to take photos of your adventure too! Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Sep 02, 2009 @ 16:34:58
Tried to comment on your Sept post. Wow the smoke pictures are scary for sure and the ride is something I would NEVER go on – GULP!