Carolyn Copper's Podcast

We all know there’s something special about bald eagles – the United States’ national symbol. They represent strength and determination; they’re strong and independent; they’re incredible survivors; they’re majestic, bold, and faithful; and they’re unique to North America. This year (2019) I encountered bald eagles on a few of my photography travels. See what you know - and maybe don't know -- about these majestic birds, including the deadly risk they face from lead poisoning.

I was delighted to be thinking about my career at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during my latest podcast where I speak with Katie Butler. While I was there, Katie wore a number of hats at the EPA’s Office of Inspector General, and was a skilled and effective leader. Post-EPA, Katie recently launched a new business -- The GeoLiteracy Project LLC. The GeoLiteracy Project’s mission is: “We help environmental leaders optimize their programs and maximize their results. We advise on the best science, strategy, and management techniques to help you save the Earth faster."
If you’re managing or leading any business or organization that’s expected, or required, to show environmental results, listen in.

Today, I’m talking with Donna Cole. Donna is an award-winning multimedia and investigative journalist; bird of prey rescuer; mom, breast cancer survivor, and a U.S. Navy veteran. In the spring and summer of 2018, Donna broke the story about carbofuran, a federally banned pesticide, illegally used and resulting in the death of 13 bald eagles in the state of Maryland. Donna's reporting led to national and global news coverage. I'm talking with Donna about her investigative work, and other things, including how birds of prey came to her rescue. Visit my blog for more, and Donna's news website Annapolis Creative.

Today, I’m talking with Isaac James Baker, who I got to know through Instagram. The more he posted, the more I wanted to know. Isaac has worked as a newspaper reporter, freelance writer, and editor. He has a Master’s Degree in fiction writing, he reviews wines for an award-winning wine blog, and is an author for The Good Men Project. Among things we’ll talk about – Isaac -- in his own words, is a “newb” and “constant learner” wildlife photographer and posts his wildlife shots and sightings on Instagram, which include great birds, Coyotes and other species. Love, enjoyment, and respect for the outdoors were instilled in him young, and he’s living a life that celebrates, in many ways, what nature provides us. Isaac is conscious about passing the generational respect for nature on to his daughter, who likes to go out with her Dad on "trash picker-upper days." As a young boy, Isaac also spent several years in Ukraine. That experience helped him develop an appreciation for wildlife. The ability to be active in the outdoors actually helped Isaac overcome some pretty dark times in his personal life, and Isaac is going to share some things from a darker and difficult time in his life. We're talking about a lot on this episode!

I first heard the phrase “talons crossed”, on an Instagram post from Nancy McDonald -- a raptor rescuer located in Maryland – who is sometimes called the “Osprey Lady.” Talons crossed – is a take on the expression “fingers crossed” -- something said when praying in our own way for a good outcome. But raptors – hawks – owls – eagles – and ospreys have talons, not fingers, so “talons crossed”, hits the mark. Nancy – an Army Veteran, and a former federal Aviation Security Investigator among those who helped shut down United States air space during the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. -- has probably said a lot of “talons crossed” over the years she’s been rescuing hawks, owls, eagles, and ospreys. In 2021 alone, she rescued 125 raptors, and that’s double the number she rescued in 2020. She’s rescued them after they’ve been found hit by cars, hanging from trees caught in discarded fishing line, laying injured on the ground after their nests were destroyed, and even after they’ve been shot. Yes, shot. It takes courage, strength, skill, a calm mind and a big heart to save wildlife from suffering. I’m excited to interview Nancy in my newest podcast and hear about her courageous and compassionate work to help save the lives of injured and orphaned raptors. Follow Nancy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuingraptors/
Podcast photo credit: Mary Hollinger