This will be my last President’s Perch- a new president will take office in January, 2009. I will still have an active role with TABC, but will focus my attentions on other activities such as fundraising. As I step away from the role of President, I wanted to extend my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors, members and supporters of The Alaska Bird Club. During my two years as President, I was lucky enough to work with a group of highly skilled and knowledgeable people and their birds. We had many ‘firsts’ and I am proud of what has been accomplished. I have been humbled by everyone’s selfless giving and touched by the lives and personalities of many wonderful birds!

Leanna and crew at The Oasis

In my years of research and planning, I came across the Oasis Sanctuary in Cascabel, Arizona. After several visits, lots of planning and the generosity of others, the 4000 square foot macaw enclosure was completed. Last May, with my dear friends Lin Westgard and Janice Peterson accompanying me, we flew the birds to their new home at the Oasis. It was one of the happiest and saddest moments of my life. I will never forget opening the kennels, one after another, and helping my birds climb/fly to the tops of the pecan trees in the enclosure. The site of Iris, the sentinel bird, in her element, flying like a jet plane around and around the enclosure for the sheer pleasure of free flight, screaming the whole time, was something few people ever get to experience. Seeing a dream come true for them (and me) and seeing the looks on the bird’s faces when they realized that I actually meant to let them out onto the trees is something I will never forget. There wasn’t a dry eye in the enclosure as each macaw (mine and others) were released.

Many people have asked me how I could “give them up”. My response is simple: Because I love my birds, I will do whatever’s necessary to give them a better life. While I miss them every minute of every day, I know in my heart that I’ve done the very best I can for them. I continue to support and visit them frequently. I look forward to the day that I can retire from my job and live on site part of the time. In doing so, I hope I can also improve the lives of other birds in the process.

Of all the lessons learned this past year, the one that shines above the rest is: If you don’t set goals, you will never achieve them. My birds and I are living examples of this. If you would like to improve your bird’s lives, start now, dream big and it WILL happen.

I hope each and every one of you have a Happy Holidays and A Blessed New Year!

-- Leanna Rein, President

The Alaska Bird Club • P.O. Box 101825 • Anchorage AK 99510
akbirdclub@yahoo.com