The View From Skywalk, Grand Canyon

Air walking on Glass over the Grand Canyon	We were contacted by the Hualapai Nation about doing a release of a rehabilitated bird from the Skywalk located over a section of the western Grand Canyon. Yes, you read that correctly….literally OVER the Grand Canyon. Skywalk is an amazing structure/bridge that allows visitors to walk beyond the Canyon walls safely on a glass-bottomed bridge. From my standpoint, it is as close to a bird's-eye view of the Canyon as you can get without the noise of an engine. We arrived midday in late September with visitors already assembled on the Skywalk taking in the history, the beauty, the perfect serenity of the Canyon. There was no "virtual" about this. It was the real thing. From the ground below, this Popular Science award recipient was a bit intimidating, as the structure extends more than 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the edge of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The question of "How did they do it?" leapt into my mind quickly followed by "And, can I do it? This is no place for sissies." I soon overcame my own fears and doubts.
The view from Skywalk	We were escorted up to the bridge by the very affable folks in charge, donned our coverlets for our shoes, and were brought to the entrance of the bridge. As I stepped out, I felt like I had entered another realm, and I guess I had. Without looking down, the view was overwhelmingly stunning. Taking my first step out on the glass floor, however, was an assault on my most basic survival instinct which said, "Hey, there's canyon waaay down there somewhere below my first step. The possibility of surviving this does not seem likely!" And, that is the absolute best thing about that very first step...I was forced to let go of a primal fear; it was very liberating; it was like air-walking, and I cannot wait to do it again.
In a pre-flight pose with two red-tailed hawks are Jan Miller and Megan Mosby.	Our appearance on the bridge with two animal carriers in hand raised suspicions among the visitors already present. They were asked to step to one side as we posed for customary photographs. We explained to the assembled group who we were, what we were about to do, and how each of the visitors could participate by making a wish for the well-being of the two red-tailed hawks. On the count of three, we released the birds, allowing them to take their longest flight ever. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were trained to perform. One bird flew straight down towards the Canyon, affording an unusual view to all of the people standing on the rim. It took only a moment for their applause to reach us-they clearly recognized the grandeur of the sight.
Release of two Red-tailed hawks from Skywalk, Grand Canyon	The other red-tail, as if on cue, flew around the back of the bridge, veered north toward the Canyon, and performed an unforgettable aerial display for the audience on the far side of the Skywalk. Both birds soared along the rim riding the currents of the air as it brushed through their primaries like fingers playing the wind. It was as if freedom defined who they were…and to all of us, it did.
It is hard to steal the thunder of the Grand Canyon, but for a moment or two I think we did. The international audience, many of whom didn't understand our words, gave their approval with the universal "thumbs up." Those who could, freely expressed their gratitude and awe at the sight they had just witnessed. What could be more meaningful than observing these denizens of the air melding into the sacredness of the Grand Canyon?