Everything I Need to Know About Life I Learned From Birds – by Sophie Peterson, 2026 Raptor Intern

As I near the end of my Raptor Internship at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, I reflect on the knowledge I have gained over the past 12 weeks. From tying the falconer’s knot in my first week, learning raptor behavior and how to interact with each bird, eventually working my way up to holding Kateri, as well as public speaking and presenting programs. While I have learned so much through my supervisors: Melissa, Brandon, and Chloe, today I want to write about what I have learned from the birds themselves. Here is what each bird here at The Draper Museum Raptor Experience has taught me this summer.

Isham – Be Kind

Isham was one of the first birds I held, and his gentle demeanor stood out to me. It felt like he understood my nervousness about holding a raptor for the first time, and his calmness helped me ground myself and be present in this special moment. Melissa told me Isham is the cheerleader of all the raptors, he was one of the first birds introduced to the program, so he knows his way around. I will often hear Isham’s “whoos” from his enclosure, and it feels like he is supporting and encouraging the other birds. I want to be kind and caring the way Isham is. Always offering support when others need it, and being there for those around me.

Hayden – Know When To Accept Help

Hayden suffered injuries from a vehicle collision, as well as neurological damage from lead poisoning. As a result, he takes three different types of medication each day and receives regular cold laser therapy to manage pain. Without this care, Hayden would be in a lot of pain, and his quality of life would look very different. It would be easy for him to be defensive or difficult during treatment, but instead, he tolerates his medication and therapy with remarkable patience, trusting the people who are trying to help him. It’s a good reminder that needing help isn’t a weakness. It’s important to recognize when you need an extra hand, and to receive that help with grace instead of resistance.

Suli – Not everyone will understand you, and that is okay

“Turkey vultures are incredibly misunderstood creatures, the bald head, hunched posture, and less than desirable diet makes them a species humans love to hate.” This is a line directly from the script this summer, and I have found it to ring true. Some audience members are disgusted at the sight of a turkey vulture, but Suli never lets that bother her. She just preens, sunbathes, and occasionally teases whoever is holding her. While the speaker explains how vital vultures are to a clean ecosystem, some audience members are swayed by this information along with  Suli’s loveable and goofy nature on stage, and have a new outlook on turkey vultures. However, some people may still perceive turkey vultures with a negative connotation. Either way, Suli is content with who she is, and she doesn’t let others’ opinions shake her sense of self.

Becky – Do a puzzle every now and then!

Corvids are notoriously smart, and Becky is no exception. Becky is often given different types of enrichment to keep her very active brain busy. Paper towel rolls and butcher paper for her to tear to get to her food, dog toys filled with treats, recycling activities, and puzzles are just a few different ways Becky spends her free time stimulating her mind. I have taken some inspiration from Becky in my everyday life, by purchasing a sudoku book and working on it whenever I’m waiting in line or stuck somewhere with time to kill. I have found this to be great instead of wasting time being on my phone during periods of waiting. I’ve also bought a few jigsaw puzzles to keep my brain sharp, maybe one day I will be as smart as Becky!

Teasdale – Alone time is okay

Everyone needs some alone time occasionally, for Teasdale, that may be all the time. Spending time alone is a great way to recharge or self-reflect, and honestly sometimes, you just need a break from other people. Teasdale highly values her alone time, and seems content with the peace and quiet. As an introvert myself, I agree with Teasdale’s sentiment, and will protect my alone time like she protects hers.

Oakley – Push yourself out of your comfort zone

Oakley is one of the newest birds in the program, arriving in February 2026 along with Otus. Oakley has one of the craziest stories of any of the raptors here. Although barred owls aren’t native to Wyoming, Oakley was found near Gillette, WY, after being hit by a semi truck and traveling in the grill for hundreds or thousands of miles. Until the driver eventually stopped, realized he had an owl in the grill and set her to the side of the road. Luckily she was taken to a rehab center, where she had her right eye removed. Oakley went through a lot of trauma, and eventually ended up here at the center. Although she didn’t have a choice in the matter, she has pushed herself out of her comfort zone and adjusted well to her new life here. I admire Oakley’s fortitude and willingness to keep pushing herself in a new, unknown environment. She is loved by all the audience members who get to meet her, and despite the path it took her to get here, I think she is embracing her new role as an avian ambassador with tenacity and courage.

Otus – Consistency is key

Small actions compounded everyday lead to significant results, and for Otus, this means working with him for a little bit everyday to prepare him for virtual programs. Otus is also new to the program, and as a little owl is naturally more nervous. He gets defensive, swaying back and forth and clacking his beak when someone approaches him. By working with him everyday through holding him, taking him to the virtual program shed, and just talking to him, we are exposing him  to new experiences and building his confidence. This has taught me that doing something small everyday consistently can lead to real results, even if it seems nothing changes day-to-day. Soon enough Otus will be a great avian ambassador for people all around, even if at first it seemed almost impossible for him. Taking small steps toward your goals is still moving you in the right direction, even if it takes some time to get there. The time will pass anyway!

Haya – Command the room with confidence

I think Hayabusa is the queen of the castle, and I feel she would agree with that statement. Peregrine falcons are one of the best known raptor species, and for good reason. Being the fastest animal in the world, peregrine falcons deserve the recognition and praise. The moment Haya enters the stage, you can tell the audience understands they are face to face with a really special bird. Haya’s presence and quiet confidence command the attention of the room (or stage). She doesn’t need to make a fuss for people to know she’s important. I admire that confidence and want to bring more of it into my own life. I don’t need to bethe loudest person in the room to be taken seriously.  Sometimes quiet confidence says more than words ever could.

Dot – Be bold, no matter your size!

Kestrels are the smallest raptors in North America, but don’t underestimate Dot! Though she’s about the size of a dove, her personality is anything but small. She’s got more sass and spirit than birds twice her size. Her spunky, fearless personality is something I admire greatly. Dot knows exactly what she wants, and although that’s usually just a snack, I want to carry that same confidence and boldness with me after this summer.

Salem – Spend time in the sun!

Salem is retired from programs, so while he no longer spends time on stage or doing virtual programs, we still make sure he gets outside regularly for some sunshine. Getting some sun is important for vitamin D production, which is important for strong muscles and bones, a healthy immune system, and overall happiness. Getting Salem outside helps me out too, as I know I always feel better after spending time in nature. Salem is a great reminder about the benefits of getting that vitamin D, especially as we head into the colder months, when it’s tempting to just stay inside.

Kateri – Be patient and humble

Kateri is our largest bird, and with that size comes real power. With a nearly seven foot wingspan, and weighing 13-14 pounds, she could easily overpower her handler if she wanted to. However, she stays remarkably patient and humble, trusting the process and working calmly with the people who care for her. Kateri’s patience is admirable and serves as a great reminder to bring calmness to situations you may be uncertain of or nervous for.

Jade – Know when to say no

Boundaries are important, and Jade reinforces this life lesson any time the grounds crew comes to work on the garden’s landscaping. When Jade doesn’t feel like being out and about her enclosure, she simply doesn’t. She doesn’t give in to peer pressure of the public or even her caretakers at times. Although this can be frustrating when you are giving a Keeper Talk about bald eagles with no bald eagle present… It still reinforces the importance of boundaries and knowing when to say no to something you don’t truly want. Having clear boundaries and communicating those boundaries to family, friends, and strangers is a great life skill to have. Although, I will still choose words to convey this instead of cackling menacingly and staring from the corner of the room.

This summer has truly taught me so much in more ways than one! I will cherish the memories of each person and bird I worked with, and take the lessons I learned with me after this summer. Thank you to everyone who made this journey so incredibly special!