Talons Crossed: The Incredible Work of Rescuing Raptors

Carolyn Copper's Podcast

I first heard the phrase “talons crossed”, on an Instagram post from Nancy McDonald -- a raptor rescuer located in Maryland – who is sometimes called the “Osprey Lady.” Talons crossed – is a take on the expression “fingers crossed” -- something said when praying in our own way for a good outcome. But raptors – hawks – owls – eagles – and ospreys have talons, not fingers, so “talons crossed”, hits the mark. Nancy – an Army Veteran, and a former federal Aviation Security Investigator among those who helped shut down United States air space during the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. -- has probably said a lot of “talons crossed” over the years she’s been rescuing hawks, owls, eagles, and ospreys. In 2021 alone, she rescued 125 raptors, and that’s double the number she rescued in 2020. She’s rescued them after they’ve been found hit by cars, hanging from trees caught in discarded fishing line, laying injured on the ground after their nests were destroyed, and even after they’ve been shot. Yes, shot. It takes courage, strength, skill, a calm mind and a big heart to save wildlife from suffering. I’m excited to interview Nancy in my newest podcast and hear about her courageous and compassionate work to help save the lives of injured and orphaned raptors. Follow Nancy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuingraptors/
Podcast photo credit: Mary Hollinger