Bleh. Bastards and their work politics. I hates 'em.

Maybe there's something bigger for us out there, as for right now I'm going to enjoy the extra free time and try not to let it get me down too much. I still birdwatch and take pictures, and of course have companion birds, so I still have plenty of birds around.

D: Fuck. Welcome to the club, Asazi, and, if it's any consolation, this is a common turn of events for truly good volunteers. I started my career at one particular raptor center, poured my sweat and blood into the place and helped it become what it is today. Later I was hired back as the veterinarian but the staff had completely changed and the emphasis was on money and glitz rather than actually advancing care. It pretty much boiled down to one person in charge and many good people had already left. I had given up everything to be there so I rode that crashing airplane as long as I could and I do think that it was partially my resistance that eventually led to that director's canning. But the cost was high and I'm still not welcome there. Other times I've been spurned for no logical reason-- just someone who's ego felt threatened. I've learned to veer away from those situations and let them be, so long as I don't learn of any outright neglect in their birds. Wildlife work is financially unrewarding and tends to bring out the best and worst emotions in people. There's lots of egos and people get super-protective when that's all they have in life that's good. If you are truly concerned for the birds then eventually you will be in a position of conflict with someone else who's opinion differs... and they can react poorly. It's a weird and wonderful world. Fortunately I'm in a position now where I can pick and choose where I get involved.

I know a few other opportunities in Montana if you want to stay involved (not sure how far they'd be from you), but you probably know some too. Feel free to contact me (haliaeetus123@gmail.com).

To my knowledge, MRCC is the only one close enough for us to regularly help out at. I know of a few other places, but none that are very close. Right now we are planning to work with Audubon more, and possibly learn as much as we can about falconry without having to have a bird. I also plan to do some independent study in ornithology. I'll send an e-mail sometime this week, maybe you know of some places that I don't.