I had the good fortune of being invited to an off-site team meeting that was to be held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Being the animal and nature lover that I am, I was thrilled. I had no idea what an amazing adventure I had coming! I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing scenic drive through Gate's pass as you come from downtown Tucson into the Saguaro National Park. It's stunning; a wonderful prelude to what is in store at the Desert Museum. Before our meeting, our host invited our group to see the Running Wild; Fur, Feathers and Scales presentation in the cool Warden Oasis Theatre. The 20-minute program was aimed toward a younger audience, but enjoyed by all, for sure. Live critters were brought out and even presented for some of the audience members to touch. There was an educational multimedia slide show that also presented us with some trivia questions, which the presenter answered for us. Skunks, snakes, spiders and macaws were all part of the show (and the education process). It was so much fun to hear kids AND grown-ups, including my colleagues, shouting out answers and marveling at the beautiful creatures as they "ran wild" during the show.

As great as this all sounds, it's not even the best part of the day! After the Running Wild show, we headed to some amazing meeting rooms with gorgeous panoramic views of hillside after hillside covered in saguaros. We had a very nice lunch and productive meeting followed by our own private Raptor Free Flight program demonstration! WOW. It was so fantastic to see these amazing owls and hawks take flight right in front of me. Now here's the kicker! We got to call and release the female hawk ourselves! I got so excited when I heard this my eyes welled up with tears! Could it be? After years of watching these majestic birds float around the desert air, I was actually going to get to hold one in my hand? YES!

A keeper placed a little hawk treat (meat of some kind) on my glove, turned me around, and had me hold my hand up to call the beautiful, feathered creature. I was absolutely awe-struck to see her flying toward my hand. I felt like I was going to cry at the beauty of her as she swooped down and grabbed her treat. She was so light; no more than two pounds!  Next, I was to turn around with my arm extended, while she stood on my hand, and let her set off to another keeper calling her across the room. In an instant, with the slightest "swoosh" of feathers, she was gone. It was a brief encounter, but it will remain one of the most truly amazing things I've gotten to experience.

I know that not everybody will get to have this exact opportunity. But if you're an animal and nature lover too, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is a "must see" for you. Catch a Raptor Free Flight and the Running Wild programs between visits to lions, javelina and bears! I guarantee that anyone, no matter what your age, will learn something and be awestruck at some point during a visit to the Desert Museum. Check it out! www.desertmuseum.org.