During Anthrocon 2014 a very rare and special opportunity took place. Staff from our charity, The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, brought various owls, raptors, and even a penguin (I think!) to draw from and talk on. This was MAGICAL. I drew Pumpkin here, a wonderful Eurasian eagle owl, as the staff handled it, fed it bits of raw meat, and walked through the room with it on her arm. Some of my best memories here, and a glorious, pretty, HUGE, wonderful animal. It was amazing practice and I learned so much about birds and drawing and appreciating them overall. I've never been so glad to support our charities. :>

They are so worth donating time or money to, or simply to go visit and have fun at.
http://www.aviary.org/