Tonaka invited me to share some of my favorite memories after nearly 3 years as an Aviary Aide. I will begin with one of my most inspiring moments.

During the early months of the Avian Flu epidemic, the Aviary was closed to protect our birds from any possible outside contaminant. I moved to the hallway to talk about the Golden Eagles, Ora, and Ishta. I had brought a prop, the eagle claw. On this one day, a young boy came over and I engaged him in conversation about eagles, how fast they could dive down from the sky to catch their prey, and with the strength and size of their talons, they could carry off a small mammal of up to 8 Lbs, using the comparison of my small Chihuahua dog as an example. He didn’t want to leave as he was enjoying watching the Golden Eagles. His mother was trying to move him on, but he wouldn’t leave. Finally, he told his mother, “ NO mama, I am F-A-S-C-I-N-A-T-E-D!” This was a big word for a 4-year-old.

Later that day, at the end of my shift, when walking out through the museum, this same boy came, and took my hand, and LED ME, through the exhibits, showing me, and telling me, how the exhibits worked, all while his mother followed along. Indeed this was a special moment, as I realized this is what it’s all about, engaging the youth in the fascinating life of science and conservation of our animals around us. I taught him some animal facts and later he returned by sharing with me what he had learned from the exhibits.

Being an Aviary Aide was such a joy. Being able to share stories and fun facts with the visitors to engage their Wonder and Awe. Who doesn’t love feeding the ducks and telling their stories, or sharing a day’s life of Stan the Turkey Vulture? I particularly enjoyed watching the Turkey Vultures lineup along the net on the outside, surrounding Stan on the inside. Stan would open her wings wide, letting them know, this is Her place, or maybe she was just drying out her wings. But having seen up to 7 Vultures line up at a time, to peer in on Stan, this was always one of my favorite sights.

Probably one of my most favorite moments happened just a couple of weeks ago. I had just told Tonaka of my upcoming retirement, and the wildlife keepers were wishing me well. It was as if Charlie the Band-Tailed Pigeon knew I might be leaving, and he landed straight on top of my head, staying several minutes, long enough for Aubrey to photograph us. Do the birds actually recognize, remember, and appreciate us? I like to think they do! This was my lucky day and I will always remember it.

Getting a new bird in the Aviary is always very special, and a time to help the bird feel comfortable in their new home. When Pip, the new California Quail came to CuriOdyssey last month, I had the kids welcome her in with a little chant, “PIP, PIP Hooray, PIP, PIP Hooray!” Welcome PIP!

It’s hard to say goodbye to my CuriOdyssey friends, so I’ll just say, see you again, as our paths will likely cross again since we all share so much in common.