Raptor School – Part 2: Lessons from the Sky

In the second half of my Raptor School adventure came the most significant encounter of my life—my dream, my heart’s calling, and a moment I’ll never forget. But before I take you to that electric, soul-shaking encounter, I want to highlight a few other professors who left lasting lessons.

First up: Spock—Professor Spock, if you please.

A Great Horned Owl with more personality than I thought possible in a bird. Spock was the most talkative owl I’ve ever met. We got the chance to fly him—yes, fly him—and I learned a very important lesson: you have to turn slightly when he’s coming in to land. This helps him land cleanly on your gloved hand instead of your arm. On my second flight, I forgot... and he landed square on my arm. Thankfully, I only got a small scratch, but it gave me a clear sense of the strength behind those talons. Spock taught me the value of quiet observation and calm power. In life, always look around and observe others—but stay grounded in yourself.

Did You Know?

Great Horned Owls like Spock may look calm and quiet—but they’re known as “tigers of the sky” for a reason. Their talons can exert over 500 pounds of pressure per square inch—enough to crush bone! When Spock landed on my arm instead of my glove, I got a small taste of that power... and a whole new level of respect for this silent, fierce observer of the skies.

Next: Kessi, our tiniest professor.

An 11-year-old American Kestrel, hatched at the center and deeply familiar with human interaction. She was so small, I found myself repeatedly asking, “How is she a raptor?” But our instructor reminded us: despite her size, she could easily take down prey her own size. Kessi taught me that you are not defined by how others see you. People may underestimate you based on appearance—but she knows her worth. And so should we.

Did You Know?

The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, weighing as little as a stick of butter—around 3 to 6 ounces! But don’t let their size fool you—these tiny raptors are fierce hunters, capable of taking down prey their own size with precision.

Did You Know?

American Kestrels like Kessi are tiny but boldly beautiful. Kessi’s feathers showcase rusty reds, slate blues, and striking black markings—a vibrant color palette that’s rare among North American raptors. Males and females have different markings, and Kessi’s rich chestnut tones and patterned face make her look like a tiny, feathered warrior queen.

WOWZA. Such an incredible raptor.

Then came Gaston.

A massive stork we didn't interact with directly, but observed often. He had a bald little head that reminded me of an adorable old man living out his best retired life. Gaston enjoys a private aviary with a fountain pond, multiple perches, and full autonomy—and he looks like he’s living in pure contentment. Gaston reminded me: your life is your own. Be your authentic self. Your peace doesn't need to make sense to others.

Judge Dredd, the sun-worshipping turkey vulture.

This beauty had shimmering silver under feathers and rich chocolate brown plumage. In the middle of a flying lesson, instead of taking off, he opened his wings wide to bask in the sun. It was hilarious and oddly moving.

He reminded me to soak in joy whenever you can—and don’t be afraid to claim space for yourself.

Then there was Sitka, the tiny screech owl with a fierce stare.

Despite her size, she radiated power. She didn’t come when signaled. She listened, considered, and only moved when she was ready. Sitka taught me that listening to your own rhythm matters. She reminded me that sometimes, it’s okay to be done when you're done—and no one else gets to decide that for you.

Sitka, the tiny screech owl, stood no taller than a soda can and weighed just around 5 ounces aka lighter than an apple. Her mottled gray-brown feathers made her nearly invisible against tree bark, and her fierce, unblinking stare gave her a commanding presence far beyond her size. Despite her small stature, she moved only when she decided.

Fun fact: Sitka can rotate her head up to 270 degrees—an incredible ability that helps her stay hyper-aware of her surroundings without making a sound

And then came the eagles.

First, there was Hercules.

A powerful bald eagle weighing in at about 7 pounds—but with a wingspan and presence that felt massive. When he flew to my glove, the sheer force and grace of his landing sent an electric jolt through my entire body. I could feel the power radiating from him—his sharp talons, his piercing eyes, his control. To have a bald eagle on my arm was absolutely otherworldly.

Learning to "catch" Hercules on my glove was one of the most intense moments of my life. Watching a bald eagle fly straight at you, eyes locked in, is unlike anything else. He soared low to the ground with silent precision, then—just feet away—extended his massive talons and powerful legs to land. Every instinct in me screamed to duck, but I held steady. In that moment, I felt the full force of his focus, strength, and wild majesty coming right at me.

And then… Theia.

The most incredible, magical encounter of them all.

She’s a 7-year-old female bald eagle. STUNNING. BEAUTIFUL. POWERFUL. She wasn’t comfortable flying to us—she’s still shy around new people—but she was calm when perched on a glove. And I was incredibly grateful and honored to be one of the people to hold her.

Her weight—about 10 pounds—was surprisingly heavy, and when her wings flapped, I could feel the force of the air shift around me. At one point, she looked me directly in the eyes, and for that moment, the world disappeared. It was just me and her. I don’t even know how to describe what happened in that second. Time stopped. I didn’t breathe. Nothing else mattered.

I had dreamed of that moment for months. Honestly, I didn’t even think we’d be allowed to interact with the eagles—they’re bald eagles, after all. But Alex, our instructor, made it happen and I am eternally in her debt. I couldn’t sleep the night before or the night after.

Theia taught me to fight through fear, to stand in your power, and above all else, to just be yourself. She reminded me that when you step fully into who you are, you become a force of nature.

What an unforgettable, soul-shifting reminder.

A Final Thank You: To the One Who Made It All Possible

Last but certainly not least, I want to take a moment to introduce someone who made this entire experience truly magical—Alex, our instructor and guide throughout the week.

Alex is an experienced bird trainer, educator, and budding falconer with a passion that radiates through everything she does. She created the week-long training program I took part in and poured her heart into every moment. From handling techniques and bird care to training practices and emergency first aid, she taught us how to work with raptors respectfully, responsibly, and with deep reverence. Most of all, she taught us how to communicate—not just handle—the birds we were working with.

She answered all our questions (and there were a lot), never once making us feel like we were asking too much. She demonstrated each task before we tried it ourselves, calmly guiding us through every step. Her message was clear: it’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about learning and building trust with the bird in front of you. Alex turned an amazing week into something unforgettable. Truly once-in-a-lifetime.

In this photo, Alex is holding Theia—the stunning 7-year-old bald eagle I was about to meet. She held her calmly and confidently for what felt like ages, and to this day, I have no idea how she did it. I could barely lift Theia for a few minutes without my arm shaking. Now that’s a BAD ASS. A total powerhouse.

She is an inspiration—a powerful reminder that when you follow your passion with everything you have, you can carve out a life that lights you up.

Watching her work reminded me of what I want most: to live a life in service of wildlife. As a photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker, I want to awaken the world to the beauty of wild animals and the urgent need to protect their habitats.

Thank you, Alex—for your wisdom, your support, and most of all, your inspiration.

You reminded me exactly who I am and who I’m becoming.