Falcon Down, A Non-Real Estate Day In The Life Of This Realtor

Routines can fine tune us or keep us from venturing out of the box - perhaps sometimes even a bit of both . . .

Every Saturday morning I don clothing that will help protect my body from being scarred by talons, beaks, snouts, claws and a few other defense mechanisms wielded by our wildlife.  I'm a volunteer at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) located in Morgan Hill.  

This morning was not unlike any other as animals were checked out, fed and cleaned up after.  When it was nearly time to finish for the morning, we received a call that a raptor had been electrocuted and needed our help.

When the bird arrived we brought it straight to the clinic for visual examination which includes identifying the species.  This appears to be a juvenile peregrine falcon.  Apparently it was perched atop a transformer which did more than fizzle.  The bird fell to the ground from the height of a power pole.

Our exam showed the bird received a cut over it's eye and was having some difficulty breathing.  That would knock the air out of me too!  There were no burn marks or telling odor indicating a life threatening condition.  In situations like this we kennel the bird for observation and TLC.  The youngster will be on its way to see a doctor and will receive nutrients and shelter in the meantime.

When the bird has recovered and is well fed, it will be released.  Flying the skys and being free.

Please don't try handling wildlife without the proper know-how and protective equipment including gloves.  Although this bird had just been through a traumatic event, it demonstrated what it means to be a raptor.

I'm not able to share photos of this bird, but here is a picture of Horus, our educational peregrine falcon.

For those of you unfamiliar with WERC, a primary responsibility is to rehabilitate local, native wildlife and return them to their home.  Our focus is on birds of prey, smaller mammals such as bobcats and some reptiles.  We're not too fond of rattlesnakes, but love the California King snakes who keep that population in check.  An additional (and fun) charge for WERC is to educate the public.  We come to schools and public events with the educational animals, those animals being not releasable due to permanent injury.

That's the short story of how I spend my Saturday mornings.  Am I stuck in a box?

As always, let's foresee the possibilities . . . and get results!