Running Head: PROJECT REFLECTION

Grey 1

Reflection
Samuel Grey
Capstone Engineering
Mrs. Moon

Running Head: PROJECT REFLECTION

Grey 2

My capstone project was over birds at the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
in Hutchins. My internship with the Rehabilitation Center included cleaning the
enclosures and birds, administering creams and drugs for specific cases, stitching
wounds, and feeding the birds and their babies. During my time working during my
capstone period, I found that I love working with birds, especially the ones that like me
(and the food I give them). This has reinforced my choice in pursuing a career in the
veterinary field.
On my first time interning at the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the work
didnt seem as promising as I wanted it to be. I was assigned to rake the entire outdoor
area, extending almost the entire property and the area around a lake. I thought I would
be working solely with birds, but doing maintenance was not expected. As I was raking,
I finally noticed all the wildlife around me, and knew this was an environment I would be
happy in. My decision was only reinforced with the dive-bomb of a gray heron on my
back, and I decided to stay here instead of looking at other options.
After the first day interning at the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, I was
usually put to work in the main care building, taking care of the birds with more serious
conditions. The birds in the care building were typically very nice, and we even named a
few of the permanent birds. The birds in the care center require lots of attention
because of their disabilities, spanning all possible problems. Some examples of the
birds we kept in the care center were Chelsey the one-eyed chicken, Stuart the
flightless green heron, Love Dove was domesticated and fun company, Rio and Edgar
the domesticated macaw parrots, and Grover the domesticated screech owl. These
birds are a major part of my enjoyment in this internship.

Running Head: PROJECT REFLECTION

Grey 3

During the course of my internship, my knowledge of birds increased and my

responsibilities increased. When the workers noticed that I was dedicated to this
internship personally, they allowed me to perform tasks that had previously only been
done by the employees themselves. I was allowed to cut the meat for the birds, feed the
11 wild gray herons that lived close to the shelter for their meals. Later in my internship,
I was permitted to care for the larger birds of prey, which was a more dangerous job.
The larger birds are usually highly aggressive towards people and their claws and
beaks are better suited to hurt humans than the smaller birds. To take care of these
birds, Miss Kelly taught me how to grab them and feed or care for them so they couldnt
fight. This was a major step, as I am the only minor to handle these birds, including
hawks, owls, falcons, and an eagle.
In conclusion for my capstone project this year, my internship at the Rogers
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has shown me that I love birds. My career idea to become
a veterinarian was extremely reinforced by this internship, and I look forward to
hopefully continuing to work as a volunteer.