Krista Edwards’ love for birds began at age six when she discovered Peregrine Falcons in the book My Side of the Mountain. Unable to keep one as a pet, she got a parakeet instead. Her passion grew when she moved to Utah, where a local falconer introduced her to a red-tailed hawk, sparking her journey into falconry. She earned her license, trained an American Kestrel, and now volunteers with wildlife rescues, including Great Basin Wildlife Rescue, the Wildlife Rehab Center of Northern Utah, and the Wildlife Center of Salt Lake City, specializing in birds of prey.
In collaboration with these rescue organizations, Krista responds to calls about injured birds, particularly eagles, which require careful handling due to their strength. Equipped with gloves, hoods, and transport boxes, she captures and stabilizes birds before transferring them to rehab centers. With baby bird season approaching, she also works on re-nesting efforts, ensuring young birds have the best chance of survival. Through it all, she remains dedicated to reducing suffering and increasing survival rates.
Beyond rescue work, Krista is committed to conservation and education. As the founder of Feathers for Thought, she finds permanent homes for non-releasable birds with educators who can share their stories. She teaches at schools, scout troops, and events, weaving the role of birds into any subject she’s asked to cover.
Through the Utah Falconers’ Association and partnerships with the Division of Wildlife Resources, she promotes falconry as a way to connect with nature while ensuring raptors have a future in the wild. Those interested can even join her on training sessions with her bird, Sky, to experience falconry firsthand.
If you’re interested in working with Krista for education or volunteer opportunities with wildlife in the state, please reach out to her at: FeathersforThought@gmail.com
