A wing and a fundraiser

POST FALLS - Here's one way Jane Fink explains why Birds of Prey needs a large eagle exercise enclosure.

If you were asked to run a marathon after being in a wheelchair for a few months, you couldn't do it. Your legs, your wind, wouldn't function for 26.2 miles.

Large predator birds being rehabbed by the nonprofit face the same challenge. There's a leather bracelet secured to their ankle, and they try and fly to prepare for release into the wild. Not exactly what they'll face when they gain their freedom.

There's a better way.

And that would be a 130-feet long, 30-foot wide and 20-foot tall predator-proof netted area. The birds - eagles, as well as hawks, owls and falcons - could exercise and fly freely, and be more prepared to return home.

"It would be a huge achievement because we're getting an increasing number of eagles every year," said Fink, executive director of Birds of Prey. "As their population increases, so do their numbers injured."

The project in St. Maries will be a private facility dedicated to raptor conservation through education, rehabilitation, raptor research and reintroduction of endangered raptors.

Like others, money is key.

The $50,000 project could be completed by spring, but another $10,000 is needed for the eagle flight aviary.

Here's where you can help.

Birds of Prey Northwest will be holding a benefit, "On a Wing and a Prayer," from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center in Post Falls.

It will feature an auction, art work, refreshments, games and a live bird demonstration. Tickets are $20 and proceeds go to Birds of Prey Northwest for the exercise area.

Fink, recently in South Dakota where she is reintroducing peregrine falcons in Rapid City, said one of the organization's tasks is to rehab injured predators that were struck by a car, illegally shot or hurt by a run-in with power lines.

Fink said Birds of Prey has rehabbed more than 100 birds in a year. Collisions with vehicles are the top cause of injuries.

It's more than healing the wing or leg, but also being sure the bird's cardiovascular strength is 100 percent.

"So they don't just fly, but they survive and hunt," Fink said.

Without the enclosure, eagles rehabbed by Birds of Prey are secured to a parachute cord that's a few hundred feet long and attached to a spool. Their trainer tosses them in the air so they're forced to take flight.

Along with the time commitment, it's dangerous and stressful, Fink said. A new area would reduce the chance of injury and allow staff to rehab birds quicker.

Their goal is near.

Birds of Prey recently received an anonymous $25,000 donation. Another $10,00 is needed to complete the project, that will include a one-way, glass observatory so the birds can be monitored.

The poles for the enclosed area are up.

"Now, we need money to finish it with the netting," Fink said.

For ticket information call Heather, (208) 640-1439. Tickets are also available at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center.