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A timely visit with the owls … and an eagle

Nancy Crowe

I had a chance to meet some beautiful birds the other day when Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation Center held a fundraiser at Wild Birds Unlimited in Fort Wayne.

Above are Puck, an eastern screech owl with an injured wing from a probable car strike; Jefferson, a bald eagle who was shocked by an electric wire and has arthritis in his elbow; and Athena, a great horned owl found orphaned with an injured wing. 

Below are Monet, a barn owl donated by a falconer; Oakley, a red-phase Eastern screech owl who was hit by a car and lost an eye; and Indy, a barred owl found stranded and possibly blind on the median of Interstate 69. Though some of his vision has returned, he can’t see well enough to be released.

All sat quietly on volunteers’ gloved arms in a bustling store packed with admirers and shoppers. The trust between the birds and their handlers, including Chewie and friend below, was palpable. Chewie, short for Chewbacca, is a Eurasian eagle owl who was also donated by a falconer.

Meeting the birds and listening to the Soarin’ Hawk volunteers tell their stories, I was struck by the persistence, patience and love this work must take. The humans, and the wild birds who have become ambassadors — most by way of misadventure — team up for healing and to inspire others to care. 

When Jefferson the eagle was brought out, I felt a pang of both love and sadness. The eagle is a national and spiritual emblem, I love my country, and I’m sad for where we are right now. 

Do living, breathing eagles understand what they symbolize? I don’t know, but this one looked me in the eye. “I’m OK. It’s OK,” I heard. 

Eagles, according to Soarin’ Hawk, adapt slowly to change and so are difficult to train as education birds. Yet here Jefferson was, doing his bit. 

Maybe we can heal, too.

Managing noise: Lesson from a German shepherd

Nancy Crowe

As the July 4 fireworks intensified, Iona the German shepherd trotted from one window to another — an elevated version of what her mom calls (and I paraphrase) guard dog stuff.

By the time night fell, a calming chew had taken the edge off, but she was still distressed by the pops, bangs and booms she could hear and feel but not see. How was she supposed to respond to this threat with insufficient data?

I told Iona, as I’ve been telling animals for decades, that it’s just human noise. It’s rattling, to be sure, but manageable. Even though she couldn’t see the source of the noise, she was safe at home and we would ride it out together.

My partner, our honorary daughter, Iona and I settled in to watch a movie. Eventually, Iona curled up on the sofa (of course she’s allowed) with her mom, and a bit later she shifted around and stretched out with her head in my lap. I told her she was very brave even if she didn’t feel brave.

On the same night, a client of mine sat on the pasture fence as horses gathered around her. The humans on the nearest street seemed to have an endless supply of fireworks, and she stayed with the herd until the worst was over.

We are all confronted with “noise” that scares, confuses or angers us. We can’t control it, but we can manage its impact. One way is by acknowledging it and being present.

Even when we perceive the sound differently (say, like a dog and a human), we can sit quietly together and see if something better surfaces. Even if it’s just a kind word or an ear scratch.

Dental anxiety? Reign it in

Nancy Crowe

Itchy with bug bites, Megan the gypsy horse was in no mood to have her teeth done. I’d been told she had dental issues and, even with sedation, anxiety to the point of rearing. Now her turn was coming up.

I told her what was happening and that I knew firsthand that tooth and skin problems are no fun … but not insurmountable. She’d indicated a few weeks earlier that she was “the queen around here” — so I said: “Be the queen. You’ve got this.”

She was skeptical but shared a meditation session with me. I pictured her bathed in a gentle light, regal and unbothered.

Megan reportedly had a good visit with the equine dentist. As befits a queen, all four feet stayed on the ground.  

We all require maintenance now and then. If an air of royalty helps you get it done, go for it. Just reign kindly.

(Image courtesy of Canva’s new AI wizardry)