Walk With the Eagles

Dear Friend,

            Buffalo winters can be challenging! 

The autumn is a beautiful time, with brilliant, crisp days perfect for walks through the local park.  It is a season that makes us appreciate the Western New York region, especially in the wake of the hurricanes that have ravaged the South.  But unfortunately, every passing day carries us closer to the short, snow-laden days of the Buffalo winter.

 But the long winters test both man and building.  Hawk Creek has served the community for 18 years, and some of the buildings, albeit well made, are weakening.  The combination of cold weather and massive amounts of snow accelerates the aging process and generates unique challenges.  

            Last winter a heavy snowstorm caused a portion of our bald eagle flight cage to collapse under the weight of the wet snow.  After we secured the eagles, who were unharmed, we dedicated ourselves to the daunting wintry task at hand—the reconstruction and temporary reinforcement of the 150-foot-long flight cage.  Needless to say, repairing and reinforcing the cage made for a very long, cold, and stressful day that we do not want to repeat this winter. 

            Two new bald eagles, America and Apache, arrived at our center this year, adding to our responsibility and making the eagle enclosure all the more important. We now must ensure the high quality of life and safety for eight eagles.  And with more eagles, a repeated collapse has a greater chance of injuring one of the birds.

            We absolutely are not going to let this happen.  We must take preventative steps this fall to ensure the safety of our eagles throughout the winter months.  Recent national events make us all too aware that disaster preparedness is essential.  We must constantly reevaluate our facilities and prepare for what nature has in store.  We owe it to the animals.  It is our responsibility!    

            Our focus this autumn is the eagle enclosure.  With your help, we can ensure the safety of our most impressive residents while also laying the foundation for the construction of our expanded “Walk with the Eagles” open-air habitat in the spring.  The new habitat will allow visitors to safely cross the threshold into the eagles’ world, and to experience these magnificent creatures face-to-face, without the obstruction of bars or other barriers.  The “Walk with the Eagles” expansion will also enable us to provide a home for even more permanently injured and non-releasable eagles.   

            This year all proceeds from our annual appeal are directed toward this pressing need.  We must reinforce our eagle flight cages before the winter strikes!  The estimated cost for the “Walk with the Eagles” expansion is $40,000—half of this amount will ensure that the flight cage structures are reinforced and secure until the construction season begins again in the Spring.  We plan on reinforcing the pylons and replacing the roof netting with chain link to prevent the roof from collapsing again.

            We are offering a special opportunity for the public to sponsor a section of the cage, 4’X12’ (tall) for $250.00.  We will place a plaque on your section of the cage, honoring your contribution, and your name will also be listed on a large donor sign and on our website.  Please fill out the coupon with how you would like your name to appear.  If you would like to honor someone else, please write your request on the back of the coupon.  Please feel free to contact Hawk Creek with any questions.  

As a country, we must provide for the well being of our national symbol.  The bald eagle represents strength and dignity and freedom.  We as a wildlife center are responsible for its care and safety.  As parents, we must allow a child to share the magic, and to look deep into the eye of a bald eagle. 

We understand and appreciate your decision to help our mission.  We know that funds are always limited and there are many causes asking for donations.  Each person’s contribution solidifies the foundation of sacrifice, unity and trust essential for the unique demands of saving the Earth. 

Thank you for your valuable support. 

You are our lifeline.

Soar With the Eagles,

Loretta C. Jones
Executive Director

Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 662,   East Aurora, New York 14052    (716) 652-8646