How do I help birds of prey?

Question

I've always had a really, really deep love for birds of prey. I don't know what it is. I think they're absolutely beautiful and always have. Sometime in my life, one of my top goals is to help these creatures. What can I do? I want to go to school for wildlife, but that's not all I'll need, I'm sure. I was hoping to someday educate people about them, also keep injured ones in my care- I know this will be hard, but how do I start? A bit off topic, I lived in England for 6 years of my life and I have family there, and one time when we went to visit, we went to an owl rehabilitation center. It was so memorable. I was actually thinking of moving back there someday- What's the job outlook for wildlife over there, maybe, in a center such as that in my spare time and a full time job besides? Anyway, it's worth all the hardship to me! Thanks for your advice!

Answer 1

You should look into being a wildlife rehabilitator, and once you get experienced by working with already established rehabs, you may be albe to specialize in taking in only raptors.  Keep in mind, you may not be able to make a living doing this...many do this as a hobby, however some do make a living at it.  If you wanted to be paid..you might think about going back to school to earn a degree and become a wildlife biologist or ornithologist and specializing in raptors.  

Look here for info about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/

Answer 2

When I was in college, I took a course in Ornithology and Dr. Heinz Meng was the professor (although geology was my major).  He was a real founder in the movement to save raptors from extinction.  He was particularly interested in the peregrine falcon which, by the early 1970s had vanished from the eastern United States and Canada, in large part because of DDT. An avid falconer and ornithologist, Meng was the first to successfully breed the avian predators in captivity and reintroduce them to the wild.  He actually had an aviary inside his home.   Dr. Meng is in his 80's now and still going strong.   If I were you, I would find a college with an emphasis on raptors.  It would have to be a veterinary school if you are interested in helping injured birds.   (Being a vet is a good paying profession)

THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

The Raptor Center, St. Paul, MN

The Raptor Center was established in 1974 within the College of Veterinary Medicine to provide medical treatment and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey. The Raptor Center is internationally known for pioneering and perfecting techniques in avian medicine and surgery, restoring the peregrine falcon in the Midwest, and advancing the health of raptors and other avian species through ongoing research.

http://www.cvm.umn.edu/newsandevents/Ope...

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE   Raptor and Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has served as a primary center of treatment for raptors and wildlife since August 1982.

http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/rwru/

MEDICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH & LEARNING INSTITUTE - MERLIN©

http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/medi...

Type in "veterinary raptors" on Google and you will see many other veterinary training schools for studying about raptors.

RAPTOR ORGANIZATON IN THE UK

http://www.raptorfoundation.org.uk/  (they offer courses in how to handle falcons, housing and hygiene, day to day care of your bird, food,  health, etc,)

http://www.raptor.org.uk/

Answer 3

There are wildlife rehabilitation centers all over the world find one close to you, and volunteer there. Find out how it runs, what kind of education the staff have. Also, go to your local zoo and take to whoever specializes in the birds of prey. I am sure they can help you out and may need volunteers as well.