“ We do what we can do … and unfortunately we can ’ t save all of them ,” laments Suzanne . With a volunteer team of 50 , often to help in the transporting injured birds , and many who commit to one day each week , the rehab operation continues to have remarkable success . Those smitten by these extraordinary birds of prey often train to become large raptor handlers . And new volunteers are always welcome .
The night before this interview had been a rough one . “ The last bird came in at 1:00 a . m . One of my volunteers went and got it all the way out in Garrett County ,” recalls Suzanne . “ I was already up because another bird had come in at midnight . This is not normal , although I do get a lot of birds in after hours . Last night I got three in after hours and one of them was a screech owl picked up off the road from Boonsboro ,” Suzanne matter-of-factly recounts .
Suzanne talks about seeing a lot of birds with head trauma . Rehabilitation requires time to reduce inflammation and often many visits from local veterinarians . Dr . Rich Forfa of Monocacy Equine Center is a large animal vet specializing in horses . “ He also loves raptors and has a portable x-ray machine that we can set up in our barn ,” says Suzanne .
While it “ takes a village ” to rescue birds with a large network of passionate statewide volunteers and student interns , vets like Dr . Forfa are key . Every day is different with calls coming in from all over the state .
Suzanne explains that when someone comes upon an injured raptor they are often reluctant to get involved . Have you seen their talons ?! Suzanne skillfully talks them through the process of retrieving an injured bird of prey . “ When they
photo : Wib Middleton
Once an injured bird is well along in the healing process it needs to begin to fly again . Muscles may have atrophied , or it may be unsteady and need to practice before being released . A long light line called a creance ( used in falconry ) secures the bird . Once released , the raptor quickly takes off and within seconds is gently guided to a stop by the handler who skillfully applies drag to the line ensuring there won ’ t be a sudden jerk at the end of the 200 foot line . The bird is fetched , brought back and the flight starts over again . Cardio complete ! plenty I spring sowing 2022 47