Michael's Eagle Project

I never imagined all that went into an Eagle Project until we planned one! The problem was choosing one and narrowing it down!

We narrowed it down to a local wildlife refuge called, "Animal Ark" and Michael contacted the Education Coordinator, Alex.

 Alex and Michael set up an appt for us to go out there and choose a project. Alex drove us around telling Michael all of the potential projects he could choose from. After hearing about the Cougar habitat, Michael could think of nothing else. 

Alex(Education Coordinator), Michael and Aaron (Executive Director/Co-Founder)

 

They went over the needs of the big cat and told Michael about Milo's story.

 

Alex showing Michael the logs to be used in the habitat.

 

We took a tour afterwards and got to see Alex giving one of his demonstrations.

 

A few weeks later and LOTS of paperwork later, we headed back out to have the final paperwork signed. 

 

The day had arrived and so many wonderful volunteers showed up to support Michael! They were AMAZING! Most of us met at 6:30 in the morning and caravaned up there.

Measuring and cutting the logs... 5 footers and 9 footers

 

Switching crews and heading up the hill in the golf cart to the digging crew with picks, shovels, etc...

 

Michael made sure it needed to be 3 1/2 feet dug out before any of the logs were put in. 

 

A ways to go...

 

The crew changed a bit throughout the morning. We gained a few, lost a few, most stayed the whole time, but all in all an AMAZING group of people!!!

By the end of the morning Milo had a new den!

 

Aaron and Alex came up to survey the new den

 

Looks like they were pleased!

 

We gathered the excess items and headed back down the hill. --  I hit a bump here as he took the picture.

 

After a long but very productive morning, we went to take a peek at the animals.

 

A great big yawn from Khan

 

Cute little Daniel sleeping in the shade.

 

Here's Milo in his current habitat. After he moves into his new one, a bobcat will occupy this one.

 

A warm summer morning....

River Fun

Once again, after work, we headed down to the river. Because "Art Town" is going on this month, and our preferred spot was bound to be packed, we decided to go to a different spot. This one is about 5 minutes from home, but rockier. 

They hopped in with their boogie boards and I soaked my feet. (I was still in my work clothes since I hadn't been home yet.)

 

Down she goes... she's got it down!

 

Paddling away...

 

Of course Jared went hunting for craw-dads as usual. This guy came home with us and is currently "pruning" the live plants in our fish tank.

 

Michael found the CUTEST little snake ever! Poor little guy was so patient with us as we all man-handled him.

Down to the River

With another beautiful day given to us, we headed a few miles from home and hopped into the river. 

 Cai Lynn was the only one out of the three that attempted the "rapids".

 

She did it over and over again....

 Jared spotted some craw-dads

 

Caught one!