Volunteer Spotlight: Arayelle Young!
We asked Arayelle some questions about her time with Wild Ontario. Here’s what she had to say:
1. What is your favourite memory of volunteering with Wild Ontario so far?
My favourite memory of volunteering with Wild Ontario so far is going to programs with Atwood, our Northern Saw-whet Owl. She is very small, but mighty, and the crowd’s reaction to her is so incredible every single time. At displays, when people see her across the room, their jaws drop. I will never get tired of shocking people when I tell them this little owl is a fully grown adult. I hope one day I will be able to command a room as well as she does.
2. What have you learned/how have you grown through this experience?
Through volunteering, I have grown into a more patient and communicative person. Being part of this team means working with other amazing volunteers and making sure everyone is on the same page. It also means I have gotten to talk to so many wonderful people about how cool these birds are. Both of these things have brought me out of my shell a lot and have made me more communicative. I have also learned a lot of patience, working with animals means you have to build trust with that animal. This requires a lot of patience and care to ensure training goals can be met and worked on.
3. How would you describe the bird(s) you work with?
Currently, I work with Mowat, the Barred Owl, and my experience with him is very different than the birds I have worked with in the past. For most of my time here, I have worked with hawks and falcons, and it is so cool to be able to compare and contrast differences between our three main groups of raptors. The first time Mowat approached me in his aviary, I was in awe of his silent flight, and I continue to be amazed by him every day. With all of that being said, if I were to pick one word for Mowat, it would be goofy. My favourite thing to do during a session is watch him eat because he always tilts his head upwards and closes his eyes while he does it, very goofy.
4. What is the most surprising skill you’ve learned through volunteering?
The most surprising skill I’ve picked up through volunteering is my observation skills and attention to detail. Through working with birds, you learn to read the subtleties of their body language and behaviour. Over the years, my ability to do this has improved, and with it, I have gained a greater attention to detail in my everyday life. When I go outside, I notice more birds in the sky (and I know what they are now), bugs in the dirt, and so many other cool things.
5. What others say about Arayelle:
“Arayelle is hardworking, reliable, and very dedicated. She’s an amazing mentor and makes absolutely sure that new volunteers have all the tools they need to succeed!”
“Arayelle is always fun to talk to and always willing to lend a hand, making visits to the flights with her a great time!”