![Jimmy "Two Hawks" Beamer of Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation in Norfolk, Virginia instructs the release of a rehabilitated Eastern Screech Owl (red phase).](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/d9/5b/d95b51a94da0fdfcd5a224e0ddd0e51a.jpg?itok=G6Uiap4Q "Jimmy "Two Hawks" Beamer of Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation in Norfolk, Virginia instructs the release of a rehabilitated Eastern Screech Owl (red phase).")
To fly, to soar like a bird. The ultimate symbol of freedom, gliding in the air above the earth. Humans can only dream to spread their wings, imagine themselves circling over the world. Our bird's eye view is simply perspective of the mind. Although we remain on the ground to accomplish our earthly objectives, our spirit can lift like the bird with peaceful coexistence.
Peaceful coexistence with the earth, peaceful coexistence with all sentient beings, living in balance and harmony with the natural world is the foundation on which we should consciously live our lives. To obtain peaceful coexistence with wildlife requires conservation, preservation, and respect of the waters, woods, native plants and other resources wildlife relies on to survive.
Pearl “Runningbird” and Jimmy "Two Hawks" Beamer are well known for their live hawk demonstrations and education presentations at Native American celebrations in Virginia. Together, Pearl and Jimmy have realized their united dream of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release in combination with Native American culture and philosophy, fusing the physicality and spirituality of peaceful coexistence.
“First and foremost, we must remember the land we live on was the land of the Native Americans and wildlife. Then we came along thinking we knew a better way of life and pushed them both out.” Pearl says, “You need to remember who was there first.”
“I have always loved birds of prey,” says Pearl of Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation in Norfolk, Virginia. “They have attitudes and fly so free and high.”
Pearl has been a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for over twenty years and specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of raptors (owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures), and water birds (loons, herons, pelicans, egrets).
“Wildlife rehabilitation starts the moment an animal is rescued,” Pearl says. “When we go out on a rescue, we take a net, running shoes, change of clothes, carrier, towels, falconry gloves, and sheets or blankets.”
“You might have to go swimming or wading to rescue the bird. Ninety percent of the time you will have to run after and chase the bird. Just because they cannot fly does not mean they cannot run.”
On February 8-10, 2013, Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation is hosting the “Born to be Wild” Care & Release Annual Wildlife Rehabilitators Conference at the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk, Virginia.
The eden setting of the wildlife conference is more than ideal in its representation of natural beauty and peaceful coexistence shared among plants, humans, and wildlife.
“The Norfolk Botanical Garden is an oasis for many types of animals and wildlife, including more than a hundred different species of birds,” says Kelly Welsh, Norfolk Botanical Garden Public Relations Manager.
From common to rare, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has documented and coded the variety of species seen and identified in the garden including migratory birds, owls, egrets, eagles, hawks, warblers, chickadees, blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, gold finches, ravens, crows, starlings, thrashers, hummingbirds and many more.
“We care very deeply for the animals, insects, and all the wildlife that call the Norfolk Botanical Garden home,” Ms. Welsh states. “With so many species of animals that frequent the garden, it’s essential to have a good relationship with an organization, such as Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation.”
“We have called upon Sacred Friends Wildlife Rehabilitation and other similar organizations to retrieve animals that have become lost or injured in our garden,” Ms. Welsh says. “Countless birds and wildlife are nursed back to health each year by wildlife rehabilitators. Rehabilitators like Pearl Beamer are on-call practically twenty-four hours a day.”
“Pearl Beamer loves what she does and it shows. It is important for future wildlife rehabilitators to learn from the best,” Ms. Welsh states. “This is a great opportunity for wildlife rehabilitators, veterinary professionals, wildlife biologists, animal control officers, environmental educators, and wildlife enthusiasts.”
Click here to view the wildlife conference program and register. RSVP by January 30, 2013. LATE FEE: Add $10.00 if registering after January 31, 2013.
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