There is an assortment of large and distinctive birds at Dickerson Zoo, many of which feel comfortable perched on the arm of longtime volunteer Sue Schuble.
Some are predatory, such as hawks, falcons and a 34-year-old bald eagle named Phoenix. Others, including colorful parrots, are exotic and vocal.
Schuble, a local coaching fixture who helped elevate girls athletics in Springfield before retiring from Kickapoo High School in 2001, has developed a rapport with most of the animals.
It takes time, and Schuble says she had plenty of it since the end of her Hall of Fame career.