This is Orion, a great horned owl.
And this is Yukon, a red-tailed hawk.
Both Orion and Yukon are denizens of the West Sound Wildlife Shelter . The shelter provides care and rehabilitation to injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals. After rehab, the animals are then re-released into the wild. Unfortunately, both Orion and Yukon sustained permanent wing damage when they were injured, and therefore, they cannot be released into the woods. Instead, they are cared for at the shelter and are being trained to participate in the education and public outreach programs offered by the shelter.
Here is Orion with his trainer and handler, Michael. Michael explained that even though he looks bigger, Orion only weighs about 4 pounds. I wouldn't want to get in the way of those claws though.
Lynn is Yukon's trainer. Because becoming an education animal does not come easily to birds of prey, it takes a lot of training (and patience) to accomplish what Yukon is doing here, just being out in front of people. He is in his second year of training and this was one of the first times he has been " on stage" so far. He did really good and even showed off some of his stubbornness getting in and out of his carrier cage. That allowed the audience to see Lynn's patience.
It was a treat to be able to see these birds up close and as we approach Thanksgiving, one of the things I am grateful for are people and organizations like the wildlife center who provide such a valuable service for both wildlife and people.
