The Non-Eagle Repository Perspective

I was lucky enough to interview those involved in the Liberty feather repository operation and gain more insight on what problems these young pilot repositories face.

The first topic discussed was waiting periods and lists at Liberty. Online research can give estimates for Bald and Golden eagles but not any migratory birds. At Liberty, the longest waiting list is for the red tailed hawk which averages eleven months. The second most requested bird is the anhinga. Rarely any one put on this waiting list gets off simply due to the fact that anhingas do not live in Arizona and Liberty has none in its care. Therefore, the only way to get those particular feathers is through networking and asking other sanctuaries to donate and send them. Liberty has cormorant feathers which are very similar, but participants rarely accept substitutes.

When asked about relations with the Native American community, the head of the repository quickly directed me to a wall of thank you notes, letters and other gifts, handmade or bought, from happy participants. Many are grateful for this free service. However, with the good there is always the bad. The Scottsdale repository gets 20 to 30 new requests each day. Some of these requests can be filled, but pickiness can prevent it. Some participants refuse to take feathers with any blood or debris on them or refuse to take feathers unless they are part of a full tail set. Additionally, Liberty has a surplus of owl feathers, yet very few request them because to Navajo tribe members an owl is an omen of death. Liberty never brings any owls to educational presentations on reservations because it can offend and anger tribes.

I also learned that the government requires Liberty to document the exact location the feather was found before it can enter the repository.

Liberty has a good relationship with SRP in Arizona, so they call whenever they find nests or birds with exact locations for the repository and when alive for the med services.

Interestingly, the repository is often contacting and coordinating with prison wardens on whether or not Native American prisoners are entitled to any more feathers when they request them. Many requests come from prisoners reconnecting with their religion and culture.

Finally, when asked what could make this system better, I heard again and again the same thing. More repositories in different geographical regions so requests like the anhinga can be met and more grants and money to help pay for the shipping and handling of the feathers themselves.

CG