Proud to be a raptor project volunteer

In her Aug. 8 letter, Kay Erenberger wrote ominously about the dangerous, predatory peregrine falcon, and asked others to write in with their experiences. I'd like to take her up.

I, too, greatly enjoy seeing goldfinches and other songbirds at my bird feeders. It saddens me when I see one of them killed by a cat, hawk or other predator. However, I do understand the fundamental concepts of predator and prey, or the “circle of life,” if you will.

What I found to be offensively irresponsible in her letter was the fear-mongering insinuation that a peregrine could take a human baby. Does she actually believe a 20-to-30-ounce bird is capable of such a feat? I hope no one bought into that capricious assertion. I also hope she decides to read a little more about peregrines and other birds of prey!

Full disclosure: I appreciate birds of all feathers. I am proud and honored to have been a volunteer for several years now with the Macbride Raptor Project, the director of which was pictured (with a peregrine chick) alongside Ms. Erenberger's letter.

Andrea Clark

Cedar Rapids