Reese Lukei, Jr.

Feb 18, 2010

The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, VA

On the phone, Reese Lukei is as focused and intent as the birds he studies. He is direct, to the point and distracted only when the Eagle Cam he operates from his home computer picks up the male bald eagle of the Norfolk Botanical Garden's nesting pair returning to his nest.

"The female will want to go for an afternoon flight," he said of the bird who'd previously been sitting on the pairs three eggs.

For Lukei, there was no moment of epiphany that led to banding, researching and rescuing raptors.

"I made a left turn and haven't found my way out," he said.

Lukei got his start assisting with the capture and banding of hawks at the Kiptopeke Bird Banding Station on the Eastern Shore in 1974, and received his first permit to work with the birds in 1979 after a period of apprenticeship.

In addition to state and federal permits, training is required to learn to handle the birds safely. It's the feet and talons you have to look out for, Lukei said.

"You learn to pay attention," he said, and he bears the scars from encounters where a bird seized on a moment of inattentiveness - and his hand.

"It's the only thing in the world I have the patience to do," Lukei said. "I can sit out in a blind all day long, waiting for that one bird."

He's not as active banding birds these days, he said, but keeps busy with other projects. Lukei is a volunteer research associate with the College of William and Mary's Center for Conservation Biology. He maintains the center's Eagle Cam blog, which features information and education about the botanical garden's bald eagle nest 2010 activities, and the EagleTrak blog, which provides travel updates on Azalea, one of the garden pairs' 2009 eaglets who was outfitted with a satellite transmitter.

The avid outdoorsman is also a longtime volunteer at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge where he's led countless hikes, designed and built the refuge's trail system and helped start the refuge's tram tours into False Cape State Park.

Check out the eagle blogs at eaglenest.blogs.wm.edu and eagletrak.blogs.wm.edu , and the Eagle Cam at wvec.com/eaglecam .

What first sparked your interest in raptors? Always been interested - Boy Scouts.

What is the greatest challenge you face as a raptor expert? Finding someone to replace me - I'm becoming a senior citizen.

Which bird of prey fascinates you most? Peregrine falcon

Why are you particularly suited to working with these birds? My dedication to them.

What is the greatest threat to local raptors? We continue to develop land native to them. This region badly needs a wild critters central care center.

How long have you been a research associate for the Center for Conservation Biology at William and Mary? Since CCB was formed in 1991 by Mitchell Byrd and Bryan Watts.

What do you love most about volunteering at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge? Working with the outstanding volunteers on "The Crew."

Favorite bird watching spot: My backyard

What do you love most about the great outdoors? The opportunity to share it with others.

Favorite gadget: My pocket knife. It goes everywhere with me except on airplanes.

Favorite movies: Live HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City shown at Lynnhaven Mall.

Least favorite activity: Picking up gumballs (from black gum tree) in my yard.

The book you're reading now: If you want to know what life was really like in the Plymouth Colony read "Mayflower Bastard" by David Lindsay.

Favorite source for information on wildlife: I use multiple resources, including the Internet.

Comfort food: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate

Favorite TV show from the past: "The Red Skelton Show"

Of what achievements are you most proud? I was the national coordinator (1991-2003) for the creation of the 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail - www.discoverytrail.org .

People you admire: Mitchell Byrd and my father

If you could choose your theme song, what would it be? "You're In Over Your Head Again"

Favorite sound and why: Sleet on a tent - puts me to sleep.

Least favorite sound and why: Tree branches falling on my roof, because I know I will have to pick them up.

Good luck charm: Melinda

Personal motto: Do what I say I will do.

Full name Reese F. Lukei Jr.

Neighborhood Lynnwood - Little Neck

Hometown Norfolk

Age 71 going on 17

Marital status Married (merried) to Melinda for 51 years

Children Melinda has children, I have adults - Debi , 50; Rick , 49; David , 44.

Occupation Retired CPA

Education BS/BA, Old Dominion University; Princess Anne High School, 1957

Community service Former Virginia Beach Open Space Committee, former Virginia Beach Bikes and Trailways Committee, volunteer at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge since 1974, a few others

Church affiliation: Methodist

Pet peeve: People who promise to do something and don't.

Hobbies: Photography, hiking, world travel