On a recent Saturday, a group of Hands On Charlotte volunteers arrived at the Carolina Raptor Center ready to work. The team included Julie, John, Crystal, Brandy, Kellie, Victoria, Heather, Guohua, Rui and Rob. The Raptor Center has over 23 different species of raptors housed along a ¾ mile nature trail.
In two groups, we worked on two main projects. One group prepared the amphitheater so that it could be painted at a later time. The other group helped to refit a cage for a new bird. Armed with sledgehammers, crowbars, and a battery-powered drill, the work began.
Julie, our project leader, was knowledgeable about the raptors and provided information as we went to and from the work areas. She gave us a chance to see the raptors and a sense of the importance of helping out at the Center.
One of the many benefits of volunteering was being able to see some areas that the general public isn’t allowed to see. Birds being rehabilitated need to be caged in a quiet area that is not accessible to the public. We were able to see these raptors and to talk with some of the staff from the rehabilitation facility. We also got to see an eagle that was rescued in Asheville in 1993, when it struck its wing on an electrical wire.
Volunteers are always needed at the Carolina Raptor Center, and volunteering through Hands On Charlotte is great way to do just that. "For the Birds" opportunities are available through the Hands On Charlotte volunteer calendar.
--Rob Bridges is a volunteer for Hands On Charlotte.
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