Raptor Conservancy of Virginia

I just finished reading the article "CSX Is for the Birds," and decided to share my story with you.

Many birds, like this female osprey, share the forested areas CSX travels.

I am a new hire with CSX, but I have been a train conductor for over five years. One of my favorite things about working on the rails is to see the wonderful birds that share the forested and remote areas I've traveled — like eagles, osprey and hawks.

When I am not working, I volunteer my time to help care for injured birds of prey with the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia. Many of the birds have been sent to the rescue by people who have found them in places like parking garages and back yards, where they are not safe. Some birds are near death but with the care and attention given to them, they survive injuries from cars, construction equipment and yes — even trains.

Some of the birds are rehabilitated and released into the wild. The ones that can't be rehabilitated are permanent residents of the conservancy and are used to educate the public about birds of prey at schools, local fairs and presentations. Caring for these birds is humbling and is my way of giving back to the environment.