Dave and Lauras Dream

Dreaming of early retirement & travel

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Raptor Sanctuary – Ketchikan Alaska

We walked around the corner and – there was a bald eagle, sitting in the enclosure. We are from Michigan and have seen maybe two bald eagles in our life time (outside of a zoo). In Alaska, it is more like – there is an eagle, there is eagle, there is another. This location, took in injured birds and gave them a home if they could not be returned. I consider that one of the highest honorable things a person can do, care for those who cannot. (guess that is why I am in medicine). Check out these wonderful birds.

Another bird and the handler, explaining the incredible work they do at this facility with birds of prey.
This poor little guy was rehabilitated, but then could not make it on his own in the wild, so they brought him back, and he seems happy here.
One of the many, many Eagles saw in the wild.
A few totems at the site just outside the raptor sanctuary.
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68 responses to “Raptor Sanctuary – Ketchikan Alaska”

  1. Child Of God Avatar
    Child Of God

    What a beautiful bird that Picture should be framed!

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      That is a wonderful idea!

      Like

      Reply
      1. Child Of God Avatar
        Child Of God

        🙂

        Like

  2. steveknife Avatar
    steveknife

    Helping animals in need and treating them kindly is so important

    Liked by 8 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      We agree, helping others is an honor.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. heavenstobetty Avatar
    heavenstobetty

    Beautiful birds!
    Ditto to steveknife’s comment.

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply
  4. Lydia Potter Avatar
    Lydia Potter

    How nice!

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
  5. Sheree Avatar
    Sheree

    Such majestic birds!

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      They are the royalty of birds – at least it looked like it. HUGE.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Sheree Avatar
        Sheree

        My local football team OGCNice, nickname Les Aiglons (the eagles) has an eagle fly around the ground before kick off. I know the bird is sort of tame but I always worry it’s going to sweep into the crowd and carry something or someone off. Usually, it returns to its handler but once it perched on the top rung of the stadium and took some coaxing down.

        Liked by 3 people

        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
          David & Laura Speer

          I could picture it. This one could not fly though, he was injured by flying into power lines, but I could see what you mean, he was so huge!

          Liked by 2 people

  6. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
    Saba,NiazSiddique

    That’s beautiful.
    I love eagles 🦅🦅🦅

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      They are everywhere there, we saw maybe a dozen in one day.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
        Saba,NiazSiddique

        They are 🦅🦅
        We feed crows that sit in our windows and most of the time they grab the meat and leave us in shock 🙀

        Liked by 4 people

        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
          David & Laura Speer

          There were a lot of HUGE crows there too, and they guides were saying they are very crafty smart!

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
            Saba,NiazSiddique

            They definitely are.
            Here they are not very big.

            Liked by 3 people

            1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
              David & Laura Speer

              By where we live in Michigan, US – they are small to medium sized and have not noticed them being too smart, but only a few over here.

              Liked by 2 people

              1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
                Saba,NiazSiddique

                We have been feeding them for 5 years.
                We used to think the same but later we knew they Aren’t 😂
                First they entertain us with their songs. When they see eagles are near they create more noise when we give them meat they wait for eagles and no sooner they came closer clever crows grab they meat and fly and eagle fly back as loser. But they win the fly and grab game more than crows. 🦅😂🦅

                Liked by 3 people

                1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
                  David & Laura Speer

                  We feed birds in our backyard to, but just leftovers, not seed. Like stale bread that might be just a small piece. We live the wildlife. What other kinds do you have by you?

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
                    Saba,NiazSiddique

                    There are lots of pigeons and we have seeds for them. In my vicinity we don’t have many sparrows but in the morning we can hear their beautiful chirping that often shadowed by eagle’s song. Squirrels are also there.
                    And definitely life is completely incomplete without cats. They don’t catch pigeons albeit they can 😺😺
                    There are water and seed troughs at every home edge.

                    Liked by 3 people

                    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
                      David & Laura Speer

                      We live next to a small creek, so we get ducks, there is a family of swans that live around the bend, then deer come out at night, we have quite a few neighborhood deer, then a rabbits, a family of squirrels live in our back oak tree, and in our back yard right next to the river is a ground hog, and of course fish, but mostly carp. So kind of like a mini park in our backyard, it feels country, but it is very close to many stores and roads.

                      Liked by 2 people

                      1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
                        Saba,NiazSiddique

                        Sounds intriguing. I loved it. Ours is commercial area. We’re really thankful to God for having at least birds here. 💕💕
                        Unfortunately we don’t have many trees due to commercial zone.

                        Liked by 2 people

                        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
                          David & Laura Speer

                          Well, we have lived in many different locations, and each has its own awesomeness about it. I agree, we are also thankful to God for a wonderful surroundings.

                          Liked by 1 person

                          1. Saba,NiazSiddique Avatar
                            Saba,NiazSiddique

                            We have to be grateful, indeed 💕💕💕💕

                            Liked by 1 person

  7. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
    arifullahkhan685

    Very beautiful birds 🐦 out there ❤️

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      It really was a magical place

      Like

      Reply
      1. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
        arifullahkhan685

        Hmm. Great experience for you and your family out there ❤️

        Liked by 4 people

        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
          David & Laura Speer

          It is thanks for checking in on this trip.

          Like

          1. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
            arifullahkhan685

            My pleasure 🙂.

            Liked by 2 people

          2. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
            arifullahkhan685

            All your trips and photo graphs are attract me towards your visit.❤️

            Liked by 2 people

            1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
              David & Laura Speer

              Thanks, were just enjoying life and sharing that.

              Like

              1. arifullahkhan685 Avatar
                arifullahkhan685

                🙂💛

                Liked by 1 person

  8. Prosperity Avatar
    Prosperity

    We loved that place!!! I almost bought the postcards that said Sitka and had the eagle on them… Then later I realized I should have bought them! I think they also had postcards with Jake (the hawk) but we ended up getting an Alaskan mug instead. Did you also do the rainforest tour there?

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      We did, and we saw a bear on the tour, it was so great, but also scary, but loved it tgere!

      Like

      Reply
    2. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      I Bought an eagle scarf there, wore it to work last week!

      Like

      Reply
  9. DailyMusings Avatar
    DailyMusings

    I am fortunate to live in an area where I see bald eagles close to where I live. I grew up in a time when they were extinct, never thinking I would one day be able to see one a mile from my home. They are amazing creatures to watch, and I find I still get emotional when I will see one take flight across the sky. Rehabilitation centers that care for injured raptors and then allow them to stay if they cannot make it in the wild are wonderful places. Check out the Decorah Eagle webcam for real time eagle watching fun-they are offline until October, but check them out then.https://www.raptorresource.org/

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Excellent, we agree with you and will check that eagle cam in October. You are lucky, because seeing them is both exhilarating and feels special.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Tofino Photography Avatar
    Tofino Photography

    Eagles are the most beautiful creatures on the planet! When I’m close with my feathered friends I am always better!

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
  11. Manuel Chiacchiararelli Avatar
    Manuel Chiacchiararelli

    Eagles, amazing animals ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      They sure were, just everywhere too. But also loved how they took such great care of the injured

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Manuel Chiacchiararelli Avatar
        Manuel Chiacchiararelli

        That was great, I love this birds and it’s fantastic someone is so dedicated to them 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  12. Chrisssie Morris Brady Avatar
    Chrisssie Morris Brady

    I was looking for you yesterday, but somehow I wasn’t following you anymore!! How easily things fall apart here is astounding.
    So glad you saw these amazing eagles. We have eagles in the UK and a species that was extinct here was reintroduced recently in Scotland. Farmers aren’t happy as one took a lamb, but I guess that’s how nature is. We have a lot of raptors where I live.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      You know that has happened to me a lot as well. Not sure how….. WordPress is glitchy. We did not have eagles here since I was a child (that is a long time) but recently some people have said there is one around here, but we have only seen them way up north in the top of the Michigan mit, close to Canada. I feel like a lot of wild life = healthy environment. So yes loosing a lamb – or a small dog can be taken too is a shame, but part of wildlife.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Joshua Avatar
    Joshua

    Those are really cool-looking birds!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      It was, and to see them in the wild, typically there were on the very top of a large pine, but we also saw them on the ground eating salmon.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Joshua Avatar
        Joshua

        Wow! I think I’ve only seen them in zoos! Wildlife is always great to see!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
          David & Laura Speer

          Joshua, it was so inspiring, honestly. They are THRIVING in Alaska.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Joshua Avatar
            Joshua

            It really must have been inspiring! I’m happy to hear that they’re thriving! I’ve never been to Alaska, but I would like to someday, and see the beautiful birds that God made!

            Liked by 2 people

            1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
              David & Laura Speer

              You should go, and if you want it and God wills it, it will happen. You would love it, we certainly did….but were just back and still inspired.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Joshua Avatar
                Joshua

                I would love to go someday, Lord willing!
                I have nominated you for The Food Award! https://joshuamakotoswanson.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/the-food-award-bonus/

                Liked by 1 person

                1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
                  David & Laura Speer

                  Oh, ok, cool I am not sure what the food award is, but I will check it out over the weekend.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. Joshua Avatar
                    Joshua

                    OK! It’s a new blog award created by Elisha at the Africa Boy blog.

                    Liked by 1 person

                    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
                      David & Laura Speer

                      Ok, awesome on the weekends I have more time so we will respond soon

                      Liked by 1 person

                      1. Joshua Avatar
                        Joshua

                        Alright, sounds good! 🙂

                        Liked by 1 person

  14. Jonathan Caswell Avatar
    Jonathan Caswell

    Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
    KEEP AN EAGLE EYE OUT FOR THIS PLACE. FEEL THE RAPTOR (RAPTURE) OF SEEING WILD CREATURES BEING REHABILITATED!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Thanks Jonathan, your support is always awesome!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jonathan Caswell Avatar
        Jonathan Caswell

        “ORT-ORT-!” 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  15. bayphotosbydonna Avatar
    bayphotosbydonna

    The Eagle is so majestic! What a wonderful place for raptors to rehabilitate. We have several places like this near the Chesapeake Bay Maryland region. 🙂

    Best of luck and fun in your planning your next chapter of life with retiring! Hubby & I planned and were lucky to retire at 56 in 2015. We’ve had a temporary hold-back in last couple years, but are now getting ready to embark on our lifelong dream of traveling the U.S. in our motorhome for a several years. We’re getting excited!

    Thanks for following my blog, I’m looking forward to following yours. Cheers! 😊

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Donna, we are also worried we wont be able to retire at 52, but I think we will have David start and then I will follow. It is the darn health care that makes it almost impossible to retire early. How to afford it. But now your getting ready to do it! How excited, we are both so happy for you guys, honestly what an accomplishment, we will be following you on your motorhome dream!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  16. lovehateexperience Avatar
    lovehateexperience

    Loved it awesome👍💯

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  17. Raptor Sanctuary – Ketchikan Alaska — Dave and Lauras Dream – Truth Troubles

    […] via Raptor Sanctuary – Ketchikan Alaska — Dave and Lauras Dream […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Thanks for the share!

      Like

      Reply
  18. Atul Depak Avatar
    Atul Depak

    Subhanallah! very gorgeous bird-the king of sky

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Huh, we dont know about subhanallah, but looking it up now

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Atul Depak Avatar
        Atul Depak

        Glory to be God. We say it when we see some natural beauty. Best wishes 🌹

        Liked by 1 person

        1. David & Laura Speer Avatar
          David & Laura Speer

          Excellent!

          Liked by 1 person

    2. David & Laura Speer Avatar
      David & Laura Speer

      Ok, looked this up, your right, glory to God, we learned something new, love it! Thanks Atul!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Atul Depak Avatar
        Atul Depak

        Glad to know that. My pleasure🌹

        Liked by 1 person

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