An impromptu lesson

I've volunteered a few hours a week to assist a couple of biologists with a research project. It mostly just involves me writing down data and other simple tasks, but it's been a great experience watching and learning from professionals. I recently had the opportunity to see a juvenile male Sharp-shinned Hawk up close. A small group of school children we mesmerized by the beautiful raptor, as well as, the biologist's impromptu nature lesson. The expression of wonder on the faces of the kids was priceless. In that brief interaction, it's conceivable that the seeds for a conservation career were planted in one of those young minds.

by Rob Jett for "The City Birder"