When Curt was 3 years old living in Missouri, a tame crow living free in the neighborhood, came for many visits. His fascination with this intelligent creature was the start of a lifelong passion.
Curt later gained formal training at the renowned World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis Missouri. During 5 years under Walter C. Crawford Jr., Curt participated in bird of prey conservation and education. He cared for a variety of birds, from delicate Saw Whet Owls, to powerful Bald Eagles, and playful Andean Condors. What’s more, Curt assisted in a variety of activities. Some of these included public awareness and Peregrine Falcon reintroduction programs, Bald Eagle population surveys, raptor rehabilitation, management, release evaluation, and general training.
Besides these skills Curt learned the sport of falconry; a hobby he now enjoys at the level of master falconer.
Having moved to Alabama Curt now speaks to thousands of people. He loves to teach about the most powerful birds in the world, telling others why they are important for a healthy environment. His presentations also include why they have fascinated people over thousands of years. Curt is a member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators, North American Wildlife Rehabilitators, and the Raptor Research Foundation.
As a natural extension of 24 years of work with birds of prey, Curt became the founder of the Rise Raptor Project, Inc.; an organization whose impact continues to expand each year.
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