Inspired by Birders

 

 

Dear Supporters,

 

I was in Sacramento for a family function for three days this past weekend. As I arrived, I wondered what I would do in the big city for this long. Near the hotel where I was staying, I rediscovered the 32 mile Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail near Discovery Park where the Sacramento River meets the American River. I put on my inline skates and began my adventure. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. There was an abundance of wildlife habitat and the wildlife species to go with that and the excitement of endless skating trails.

 

About five miles into my exploration, I saw a small group of people standing together pretty much in the middle of nowhere. As I got closer, I instantly realized they were birders. I began to slow down and study them more closely. They were all looking up into the trees with binoculars and spotting scopes in hand. They were dressed warmly and looked completely engaged and focused. The biggest observation of all was they looked so happy.

 

 

  

 

I stopped to talk to them about the birds they had been watching. We began to talk about wildlife habitat. As they talked to me, they never took their eyes off the trees above.  Later they noticed the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue sweatshirt I was wearing. A couple of them knew about our wildlife rescue efforts here in Sonoma County and shared that they were impressed with our organization. They all said they loved wildlife, but for different reasons, could not volunteer to rehabilitate them. They all shared with me how much they appreciate our work and that they knew it was not easy. I thanked them and continued on.

 

For the rest of my trip, I was inspired by who they were and what they shared. It made me feel even more grateful to have our wonderful wildlife center. Many of our supporters have the same reasons for not being able to volunteer, but share their financial support with us instead. We have the capability to do an excellent job in the field of wildlife rehabilitation because of this.  We have spent many years getting to this place and could not have done it without all of you, our valued and dedicated supporters.

 

As of December 16th, we are at 42% of our goal of $40,000 which we are hoping to receive for this years' End of the Year Appeal. We thank those of you who have already shared with us. For those of you who are still intending to donate, maybe forgot to, or have not decided yet, we are counting on you for your support and will continue to work as professionals you can be proud of.

 

Happy Holidays to all of you and your families.