Raptor Rehabilitator
By Klaus Girk
29 May 2008
What's your profession? Please describe it.
As a volunteer I help with cleaning cages, watering birds and feeding them. So I am a helper as I work with a full time employee in accomplishing my tasks. The job changes from winter to summer as in the winter the water troughs are frozen and ice needs to be removed so that the birds stay hydrated whereas in the summer before entering a cage the workers and volunteers have to wash their shoes off in a mixture of water and bleach in order to keep West Nile Virus to a minimum. Yes, the birds contract West Nile Virus and it can be devastating to them as it can to humans. We average 450 birds per year on intake with a variety of injuries and of those approximately sixty per cent are released back to the wild. Birds of Prey Foundation was established in 1985 by Sigrid Ueblecker our director. We are a non profit organization that is dedicated to the rehabilitation of raptors.
Where do you do this?
I work in the fly cages where the birds are sent after they have been looked at in the Intensive Care Unit. The fly cages are primarily to get the birds read for release back to the wild. This can take some time however since they need to be retaught how to hunt rabbits, quail, mice, or rats. Our fly cages are located at the Rock Creek Farm in Boulder County Colorado.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Absolutely, this has been one of the most gratifying positions that I have ever held. I keep telling our director that I always thought people who talk to birds a bit on the nutty side and now I am one of those people. You have to be careful what you say as it can always come back to haunt you at a later time.
When you were young, what did you want to "be" when you grew up?
A policeman and I actually accomplished that feat having spent 35 years in that job. I have been retired for five years.
Do you feel stuck doing what you are doing?
No, this has been very satisfying and I look forward to the days when I can go and see the birds.
What are the most and least satisfying parts of your job?
Seeing birds making progress from the Intensive Care Unit to the fly cages and eventual release back to the wild. Each of the birds has their own story, kind of like people.
How do you combine photography with your job?
I have been selected to be the on site photographer have been lucky enough to get four of my photos published in the 2009 Birds of Prey Calendar.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I have only been working with the birds for about a year, but as stated before this has been one of the most satisfying and stimulating jobs that I have done in my 65 years.
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