Are you curious about predatory birds, the stuff of terror and myths? How about the legendary dragon? Or maybe you are interested in mammals? Well, if you said “yes” to any of these questions, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center might just intrigue you.

Hawk Creek, founded 22 years ago by Loretta Jones, is a rehabilitation area in East Aurora for birds and some mammals and reptiles. People can take injured animals to Hawk Creek to help them get better.

“I felt that it was a need [to help these animals],” Jones said.

Jones promised the animals that she would take care of them. She believes that everyone has a calling, and she has found hers.

There are 88 volunteers who work with Jones to help the animals. Student Olivia Zelasko was required to complete 15 hours of community service for her senior year at Orchard Park High School. She chose to volunteer at Hawk Creek but has enjoyed the work so much that she’s chosen to stay on even though her 15 hours are completed. Olivia does the not-so-glamorous jobs of cleaning floor mats, raking leaves and performing other mundane tasks, but she’s also had the opportunity to help with the horses and hopes to pursue a career in equine management.

There are plenty of other volunteer jobs. Retired teacher Bonnie Hogan helps kids make cards or puppets on days that Hawk Creek is open to the public.

Sonya Brokman, who is working on her Ph. D., stood outside talking to people about Yoda, the Great Horned

Owl who was clutching her forearm as she spoke. Perhaps you do not want to scrub animal cages. Instead, just

go and visit Hawk Creek for only $18 a family on some days. Visitors can walk around and look at all the amazing animals such as Zazoo, the talking African Pied Crow; owls of all shapes and sizes; an ocelot, and many other creatures. Or you can see one of the flying bird shows, which is interesting although not correctly named. When you think “flying bird show,” you might imagine birds zooming around, going into steep nose-dives to the ground and amazing acrobatics. These birds do fly a little, but this is more of an informational session instead, and it is well done.

There is a big display with facts all about dragons, too. They even have their own bearded and frilled dragons, Banchee and Draco, so the name “Here Be Dragons” fits. There are also games and activities, and you can walk in the bald and golden eagle’s cages. If you are interested in animals, visit Hawk Creek. Just be aware that the center is only open to the public a few times a year, including “Dukestock,” “Earth

Day Expedition,” “Acoustic Music to Feed Your Soul,” “Wild Photo Day,” “Wildlife and Renaissance Festival,” “Bird of Prey Day” and “Here Be Dragons.”

Come and find out about owls and dragons and a vulture named Barf. Hawk Creek is a great place. It helps animals and people live a good life. Hawk Creek is a great experience for the whole family and a lot of fun. For more information, visit www.hawkcreek.org.

Alissa Roy is a freshman at Springville Griffith Institute.