February 2010

The loss of a teacher

On the evening of January 11^th, 2010, beloved Cascades Raptor Center family member, Toto, an American Kestrel, passed away from age related cancer. Hatched in the spring of 1994 in Kansas, Toto had a rocky start in life. Raised illegally with inadequate nutrition, he had an infected, blind eye and a broken leg when he was finally turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. In addition, due to his early contact with humans, Toto did not imprint correctly on his own species, preferring human companionship. Together, these early life experiences resulted in an inability to survive on his own in the wild. In October of 1994, Toto arrived in Oregon and into the care of CRC, where he began his work in nature education. For 15 years, Toto made a career of acting as ambassador for American Kestrels everywhere and in doing so touched thousands of human hearts. He always delighted his audience, and his human co-workers and friends, with his confidence, forgiveness, and cheerful vocalizations.

Visiting hundreds of classrooms over the years, the generous spirit within his small falcon form earned him a special place in the hearts of legions of young children. In 1996, Toto auditioned to be named the "Fairfield Falcon" at Fairfield Elementary School in Eugene. Due to his charm, the student body selected Toto over the other candidates, all much larger falcons. He held his post there for 14 years, visiting the students annually, as well as being sought out at public events and visited at his home at CRC.

CRC’s staff, Board, large volunteer corps, and Toto’s community sponsors have heavy hearts with the loss of our endearing, feathery friend. Together we find comfort knowing that his life was a long and happy one, his passing was peaceful and quiet, and his impact on both the avian and human community was everlasting.

He was the best teacher many of us will ever have.

A memorial service remembering Toto and honoring his service to our community was held at Cascades Raptor Center on Sunday, January 17^th, with sponsors, friends, volunteers and staff, and several of our birds attending. We miss you, Toto!

'Mom and Dad' Volunteer Team

Have you ever considered adding your talents to our Team Awesome? Maybe you would love to help but cannot dedicate the time required to be an Animal Care Volunteer? Or can't see yourself scrubbing hawk poop or feeding whole, much less, cut-up prey items to our carnivorous birds? Well, then, how about joining our new Mom and Dad team?

Moms and dads make a place a home; they take care of all the little things that break, build new things. They also care for the family and nurture their spirits and sometimes their bellies! They celebrate successes and sooth souls when there are losses. CRC is seeking individuals to join the new 'Mom and Dad' Volunteer Team.

Job Description: Drop in to CRC, regularly but totally on your own schedule and perform a few "mom" or "dad' type activities, such as drop off cookies for the animal care team, fix a door latch, restock the coffee and hot cocoa, lubricate the padlocks, do some laundry or dishes, fix a perch, create a shopping list, organize the tool shed, fold some towels, do some gardening, turn or spread some compost, give some warm encouragement to the volunteers on animal care shift, welcome CRC guests, and more. Minimal training required. No hands-on animal-related duties.

If you are interested, please call us at 541-485-1320 or email Laurin@eRaptors.org. We would LOVE to have you on our team!

The loss of a teacher

'Mom and Dad' Volunteer Team

News Notes