The enchanting natural world within the Hawk Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has been my most influential educational environment. It is a world of beauty and life where we, the volunteers, take care of injured or needy wildlife. The patients we treat are extremely diverse; they range from eagles and sparrows to bobcats and squirrels.

Most of the animals we bring into our care is the result of a clash with man: they are shot, trapped, poisoned, hit by a car, or suffer from problems caused by the shortage of food and land. Other circumstances include problems caused by nature itself, whether it is dramatic weather changes, an attack by a predator, or an orphan young. It is here, among the recovery, rustling leaves, blooming flowers, and majestic animals that I have grown within my unique classroom. It is not a conventional classroom, but a classroom of natural law which is only available through my intimacy with the inhabitants of Hawk Creek.

The animals’ actions speak louder than words as they show me courage, wisdom, determination, sacrifice, awareness, and teamwork. When I clean cages, it is not "grunt work" but a time of exploration and thought. I learn firsthand the personality of every animal; each one has something to give, some message to offer. Even the wind speaks equally to the animals and me, whispering of peace and serenity. When my lessons and chores are done for the day, I eagerly share them with my family and friends. This journey of reaching out gives life to my educational programs, which range from giving tours of the center to Boy Scouts and children to answering questions at Hawk Creek’s Wildlife Weekend.

Many memorable experiences make up my days at Hawk Creek. One particular day stands out where I gain insight into the quality and nature of my life. I feel vulnerable from the power of the experience. It is the first time, from point blank range, that I stare deep within the fire-like eye of our magnificent bald eagle, One Wing, who was shot from a telephone pole and is never to fly again. Birds of prey call to her from the sky, but she cannot join them. I feel weak when I think of her loss; my eyes reflect my feeling for her pain but her eyes only burn with strength, pride, determination, and spirit. She desires no pity; she does not want to become a martyr; she shows me true strength. Pride, spirit, power, and perseverance radiate from her countenance that I will forever revere and look up to. There is no greed to be taught, only the instruction of commitment and the willingness to give back. If the animals are willing to help the Hawk Creek team educate, then so should I. One Wing is one of those who will never fly again, but there are many others who will taste freedom once more.

An adult red-tailed hawk is one of them. The joys and sorrows I have shared with this hawk, have peaked this day. I have cleaned her wounds and helped her bones to heal. I carefully lift the latch to her cage door and enter for the last time. She screeches as I catch her, she can sense it too. With soothing words I place her against my chest and carry her to the field. The lesson is complete, now it is in my hands to remember the strength, determination, and sacrifice that she has shown me. A small throng of volunteers gather around to say their good-byes. They step back as I heave the red-tailed hawk into the air. Flapping her wings in freedom, she sails to a nearby tree. The hawk hesitates for a moment, letting the sun catch hold of her feathers before she disappears into the woods. Her cry of thanks echoes throughout the field. I turn to the crowd, some of whom wipe tears from their eyes, and I remember the days of laughing, cleaning, and learning.