Dresden Woman Inspired by Injured Birds Shares Their Lessons

Hope Douglas founded Wind Over Wings to rehabilitate and educate through rescued raptors and other birds.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After seeing a blind red-tailed hawk at a Florida nature conservatory in the late 1990s, Hope Douglas was inspired to resign from her job and establish an organization that would rehabilitate injured wildlife, primarily birds, and then release them back into the wild. For nearly 30 years, Douglas and her volunteers at Wind Over Wings made over 300 presentations per year to schools, libraries, and other groups, bringing four birds to each event and sharing the unique lessons each bird could teach.

Why it matters

Douglas's work with Wind Over Wings allowed thousands of people to connect with and learn from rescued birds, fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife and the role humans play in their survival. Her story demonstrates how one person's passion and vision can make a profound impact on both animals and the community.

The details

Douglas would bring four birds to each presentation, often hawks, eagles, or cockatoos, and explain the history of each bird and the specific lesson it could teach, whether about life changes, the power of play, the ability to adapt, or respecting natural defenses. She referred to the birds as 'the faculty,' as they were the ones doing the teaching, not her. Douglas also had to work to get the birds comfortable performing in public, often reading to them to calm them down.

  • In the late 1990s, Douglas saw a blind red-tailed hawk at a nature conservatory in Florida.
  • Right after that, Douglas resigned from her job as executive director of the Child and Family Agency in Connecticut to pursue establishing Wind Over Wings.
  • Wind Over Wings operated in Connecticut for nearly 20 years before Douglas and her partner Carol Fackler moved the organization to Dresden, Maine in 2012.
  • Douglas developed breast cancer in 2007 and said she took inspiration from the resilience of the injured birds she worked with.

The players

Hope Douglas

The founder of Wind Over Wings, an organization that rehabilitated injured wildlife, primarily birds, and used them to educate the public.

Carol Fackler

Douglas's partner who moved with her to Dresden, Maine in 2012 when Wind Over Wings relocated there.

Blanco

A Moluccan cockatoo that was one of the 'faculty' birds that Douglas used in Wind Over Wings presentations, despite initially not wanting to leave his previous owner.

Noah

An American bald eagle that Douglas helped rehabilitate after it survived an 80-foot fall from a tree at just 8 weeks old. Noah later became a mascot for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mozart

The famous composer who was inspired to write the opening bars of his 'Piano Concerto No. 17' after listening to the singing of his pet starling.

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What they’re saying

“I was captivated by its power and strength and courage.”

— Hope Douglas (pressherald.com)

“Thank you for coming to my school, I liked meeting your owls especially. I have never seen an owl in the wild so it was a new experience for me. Wow, the saw-whet owl was the coolest because it didn't look real. Another favorite was Blanco (the Moluccan cockatoo). Even if he didn't talk, he danced. That ruled!”

— Jacob Willis, Student (pressherald.com)

“Hi. I am 8 years old. I just want to say that I feel bad for the birds that have to go to you. You take very good care of them. I'm glad you like birds. I'm a bird lover myself.”

— Zach, Student (pressherald.com)

“It is amazing to me that you always recognize others when it is YOU who is to be admired. What a treasure you have been for so many — both human and feathered. Initiating and fostering a love of all living creatures, and the important role we humans play in their survival has been a priceless gift to our children, especially. Your school visits will remain with all of us forever.”

— Teacher (pressherald.com)

What’s next

Douglas continues to share the lessons of rescued birds through presentations and educational programs, inspiring new generations to appreciate and protect wildlife.

The takeaway

Hope Douglas's work with Wind Over Wings demonstrates how one person's passion and vision can make a profound impact, both on the animals they help and the community they serve. Her story is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.