Feathers, Flight, and Second Chances

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," guest host Kalynn guides listeners through the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, Alaska. She explores the center’s vital work rehabilitating injured birds of prey—like bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, and hawks—while highlighting its educational and research missions. Kalynn introduces resident raptors, shares inspiring recovery stories, and encourages support through visits, donations, or symbolic adoptions. The episode emphasizes the ecological importance of raptors and the center’s role in wildlife conservation, inviting listeners to experience the wonder of these majestic birds up close.

Episode Transcript

(00:16):
Welcome back to Raven About Sitka,the podcast where the forest speaks,
the sea listens, and the ravens,well, they judge us quietly from
the treetops.I'm Kalynn, today's guest host
and your tour guide through thewonders of Sitka, Alaska.
Today we're soaring into a storythat's all about flight, feathers,

(00:38):
and second chances. That's right.We're heading to the Alaska Raptor
Center, a sanctuary for some ofthe most majestic, misunderstood,
and downright fierce residents ofSoutheast Alaska. The birds of prey.
So grab your binoculars.Or at the very least, your curiosity,
and let's get into it.Tucked in the rainforest just

(01:00):
outside of downtown,Sitka is a place where eagles heel
owls find refuge and hawks practicetheir aerial comeback tours.
The Alaska Raptor Center is morethan just a rehab facility.
It's a cross between an animalhospital, a school,
and a nature lover's dream.Founded in 1980, what started as a

(01:23):
humble home based care unit for oneinjured bald eagle has grown into
a sprawling 17 acre facility thattreats 150 to 200 birds every year,
from bald eagles with brokenwings to merlins suffering from
mysterious ailments.This is the emergency room of the

(01:44):
sky, and trust me, no one complainsabout the hospital food here.
The Alaska Raptor Center isn'tjust about patching up owls and
sending them on their merry way.It operates with a three fold
mission rehabilitation,education and research.
The heart of the center lies inthe flight training center.

(02:06):
Think of it like physicaltherapy for eagles.
Here, recovering birds are monitoredas they regain strength, coordination
and their signature aerial swagger.Some are releasable,
some sadly or not.But the ones who can't return to
the wild often stay on aseducational ambassadors, helping

(02:27):
humans understand the lives andchallenges of raptors in the wild.
Each year, the center educates tensof thousands of people such as
tourists, students, and even theoccasional politician about raptors,
ecosystems, and conservation.The traveling programs bring birds
into classrooms around the state.Imagine being a fifth grader and

(02:50):
making eye contact with a bald eagle.Suddenly, algebra takes a back seat,
though it flies a bit more underthe radar.
Research is a growing part ofthe center's mission.
They work with veterinarians andscientists to study raptor health and
migratory patterns contributing datato the broader scientific community.

(03:12):
Because if birds had Fitbits.The Alaska Raptor Center would
be their data hub.Let's talk stars for a moment.
And by stars, I mean birds.One of the most beloved residents
is spirit, a bald eagle who cameto the center after a wing
injury left her unable to fly.She's been an educational

(03:35):
ambassador for years and hasprobably posed for more tourist
photos than most Hollywood actors.Then there's Volta, a golden eagle
who stole hearts and occasionallyhats with his powerful presence.
And yes,I said Golden Alaska is home to both
bald and golden eagles because wedon't do anything halfway here.

(03:59):
Some of the center's bestsuccess stories are birds who
have been released.A red tailed hawk named dagger
was found near death after beinghit by a car After surgery,
months of rehabilitation andlots of feisty screeching.
Dagger returned to the wild,presumably with a killer scar

(04:19):
and a story that would makeother Hawks jealous.
If you're planning a trip to Sitkaand really, why wouldn't you?
The Alaska Raptor Center is amust see.
Visitors get a front row seat tothe Raptors in residence,
where you can meet birds thatlive on site year round.
You'll see bald eagles up close.Watch owls swivel their heads in

(04:42):
a full 270 degree judgy stare,and maybe even hear a raven mimic
a chainsaw. Yep, that's a thing.Ravens are extra like that.
You'll also get a peek into theveterinary wing through viewing
windows.No medical degree required,
and the nature trail that windsthrough the property offers a

(05:05):
quiet walk through the forest,where you might spot wild birds
overhead, looking down like.Nah, that's my cousin in rehab.
Oh, and if you visit in thesummer months, you might catch a
live flight demonstration.It's like Cirque du Soleil,
but with more feathers and fewerFrench Canadians.

(05:28):
Now, I know what you're thinking.Why all this effort for a few birds?
Let me flip that question.Raptors are apex predators.
When they're healthy,the ecosystem is healthy.
They keep rodent populations incheck, act as indicators of
environmental health.And let's face it,
they're simply magnificent.And if we can't rally around

(05:52):
saving a bald eagle,what hope do the salmon have?
And beyond the science,there's something deeply symbolic
about helping a creature built forthe skies get back on its wings.
The Alaska Raptor Center is justa small operation doing big work.
It reminds us that wildlifeisn't just something to admire

(06:13):
from a distance.It's something to care for,
invest in and protect.Here's the part where I ask for
your money. But gently.Like an owl asking for a mouse.
If you want to support theRaptor Center's mission,
there are a few ways to do it. One.Visit in person. Admission fees.

(06:33):
Support the birds and staff.Two. Adopt a raptor.
No, no, you can't take one home.But you can symbolically adopt a bird
and get cool updates and photos.Three. Donate.
Every little bit helps cover food,medicine, and vet care.
Bald eagles eat a lot of fish andfinally shop their gift store.

(06:58):
The t shirts are soft and theearrings are, well, talon inspired.
You can also check out theirwebsite at Alaska Raptor.
And if you do,go tell Spirit the Eagle I said hi.
She has great taste in podcasts.Before we wrap up,
I want you to picture this.A bald eagle, once grounded by

(07:22):
its injury, lifts off from atrainer's glove into the open sky.
The wind catches under its wings.And just like that, it's free.
That's what the Alaska RaptorCenter does every day.
It gives birds the chance toreturn to their wild selves.
And in doing so, it gives us a chanceto remember what we're capable

(07:46):
of when we care enough to try.Thanks for joining me today on
Raven about Sitka.If you liked this episode, subscribe!
Share it with a fellow bird nerd.And remember, you can always reach me
with your questions, episode ideas,or Raven stories at Raven About
Sitka podcast at gmail.com.Until next time,

(08:09):
keep your eyes on the skies andyour sandwiches well guarded.
The ravens are always watching.