It took me a few days, just to take it all in and relive the experience. I don’t think you all remember, but I did blog about my present. I got a really cool birthday present from my husband last May. Due to covid it was not possible to go on my birtday. And last week it was time to go. I am not really a birthday present needing girl but this was something I wanted when I saw that a friend did this and put it on Instagram.
I got to go to a great but small bird farm last Thursday, where they have an American Eagle who weighs 4 kilogram and who when he spreads his wings will measure 2.20 meters. How cool is that and he was on my arm. I will take you with me on this great adventure and do a few blogs about it because every bird we saw and had on our arms deserves its own blog because they are all so gorgeous and unique. So be prepared for feathered friends blogs the coming weeks.
They all deserve to be highlighted on my account and be saved on the blockchain and in my library of life. So read with me.
The bird of prey farm is located in the outback nature, the green-blue pendulum, located on the edge of Berkel en Rodenrijs. The pin is ofcourse put on my @pinmapple map to save all the great places in Holland I have been to and want to remember.
Many species of owls, buzzards, vultures, falcons, hawks and eagles have their residence at this unique location. In addition to the birds of prey, there are also many other animals such as horses, chickens and rabbits, which live in harmony with the birds of prey. Due to our great passion for birds of prey and owls, they staff have built up a unique collection of these fascinating birds. In total they have 82 birds and some have been living there for 18 years.
The fact that the birds live in captivity is not for everybody a reason to like this but its like a zoo, and when the birds are taken good care off, I don’t mind. We are not a country with all these species, but this way we have a great opportunity to be up close and personal. Also because we come there they get paid to buy food for their birds, so `I don’t mind it thats much. We also saw that the employees and the owner take care of the birds of prey with a lot of love, respect and care and try to imitate their natural habitat as closely as possible. There is no better bond and cooperation between man and bird of prey than in falconry.
The falconer we had for two hours and showed us 8 different birds and also the pelican and storks outside was Lars. Lars was a falconer and a teacher. The kids ( the boys and my best friend and her two kids went with me and hubby ) were supposed to ask all the questions they had and not to whisper. The fact that just asking was allowed resulted in some cool questions from the kids. And they were so interested and when it was time to get the birds they were freaky for them because all questions were asked.
We started inside with the history of the birds and the farm. The falcons used to werd caps to be relaxed, before hunting.
On display were all the caps for hunting here in earlier days, and also the birds that died were on display after taxidermy.
The animals never leave the premises, so they are loved forever.
Before we went outside , we all got a glove to protect our arm and skin.
This is outside, when a owl came to my arm, to start of the private birtday afternoon.
This is falconer Lars and he was the great teacher and help that dat two weeks ago. He was so nice to the birds and kids really cool and loved his job.
When you visit the website you can read
During the birds of prey show you are not only a spectator, but you also have a chance to actually become part of the show! Our falconers are happy to show you the bond that can develop between humans and birds of prey with mutual respect. With interesting stories and anecdotes you will never be bored. Both on the raptor farm and on location, our birds of prey like to spread their wings to show spectacular free flights. The raptor farm has the most unique flying bird of prey collection in the Netherlands. At the Raptor Farm, 3 full-time professional falconers are caring for and training the birds of prey. In addition, there are a number of volunteers and interns who help with all activities. Be surprised by the beautiful and silent flights of our Owls. The acrobatic flights of the Desert Hawks are breathtaking. They like to “play” together in the air. The falcon shows the enormous speed with which it chases the prey (“the lure”). Again and again the Falcon takes a dive or a complicated maneuver to get the prey! The Falkland Caracara, known as "bandit" in its country of origin, demonstrates its agility, playfulness, mischievousness and fierceness. But, as Falconers, we also want to show the public how a bird of prey in the
nature hunts. Using our special artificial prey (the “bellows”), the Red-tailed Hawk will show how it chases its prey and grabs it with its claws. Finally, the great Eagles and the Vulture provide a lot of spectacle. The Bald Eagle with its imposing gaze and immense strength gives many people goosebumps! De Gier, especially large, with a wingspan of 2.5 meters and a weight of 6 to 7 kilos, give an extra dimension to the show.
We considered it a privilege to be able and be allowed to work with these birds of prey. We would like to share our experiences with interested parties and invite you to take a look at the wonderful world of our winged friends. Experience the thrill of their penetrating eyes, the mighty claws and the enormous wingspan of the birds of prey, or be surprised by the beautifully drawn plumage of the many owl species. We offer various types of bird of prey shows, falconry workshops and company outings. It is also possible to provide educational programs and lectures on location.
Ok well thats all, now to the reason I went to Berkel. Meet JULIUS
Age: 16 years
Wingspan: 220 cm
Weight : 3800 grams
Occurrences: including North America, Canada and Alaska
Class Aves (birds)
Order Accipitriformes
Family Acciptridae (Hawkids)
Genus Haliaeetus (White-tailed Eagles)
Species Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Size 79 - 94 cm
Wingspan 178 - 229 cm
Weight Average 4.3 kg
Breeding Period Varies by region, in Florida from October to April and in Yellowstone National Park from March to April
Breeding interval Yearly
Incubation time 35 days
Nest Hugely built of branches. In conifers, mangroves, deciduous trees, on the ground, on telephone poles, on utility poles, on cliffs and in artificial nesting sites.
Number of eggs 1 - 3 eggs
Fledge 8 - 14 weeks
Sexual maturity 5 years
Lifespan in the wild 15 - 20 years
Lifespan in captivity 20 - 30 years
Food Fish, carrion, waterfowl and their nests and eggs, ground squirrels, voles, brown rats, sea otter pups, carcasses and human waste.
Habitat Canada, the United States, parts of Mexico and several islands including Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Group/solitary Often solitary
This bald American eagle is frequently used by the Americans as a symbol. Now with the fourt of july its also seen everywhere. Its a symbol to be proud of. Its a strong statement. The huge bird is incredibly strong and has a dominant character. This eagle only gets the white head and tail feathers from the 5th year of life. Eagles are the masters of the skies! He was sitting on my arm while I held a string of leather in my leather glove covered hand. He was not at all interested in blondie he only wanted a piece of chicken after flying his route, before returning to Lars.
The bald eagle became the national symbol of the United States in 1782. The bald eagle is the second largest bird of prey in North America. Because people sprayed many poisonous substances into the air, for example against insects, the bird has almost become extinct, but now there are more sea eagles in some areas. The eagle has been used as a national symbol by many countries because they radiated power, beauty and freedom. For example in Egypt and by the Romans on the flags of their armies. Also on the flag of Mexico, an eagle on a cactus with a snake in its beak is depicted. The eagle also has a high symbolic value in Germany, Romania and Albania. I am just fascinated about its huge peak and weight. And when he flies in the sky it looks like he is floating.
Eagles or eagles are large birds with powerful, yellow hooked bills. Striking is the white head, to which it owes its American name Bald Eagle (bald iegol). Only after seven years the bird is completely colored and is then brown with a white head and white tail. Sea eagles can live to be 22 years old, Julius is 18 now. Bald eagles are usually seen in teh wild seen in North American coastal areas or over lakes and rivers, near plenty of food. They choose areas where people don't live or will occur, with tall trees where they can nest or sleep. The sea eagle's menu is different. They eat fish, smaller birds, rodents. Sometimes they steal food from campsites or picnic areas. If they have caught a bird, they pluck off the feathers before eating the bird. We fed them one day chickens, dead ofcourse!
Because they are so big and strong, they can grab large animals like sheep and even reindeer. He is afraid of seagulls though I was told by Lars. He prefers not to go in water and therefore preys on fish just below the water, especially dead or dying fish. The bird of prey plunges from the air or from its high perch, and glides close to the water to catch its favorite meal: salmon. It grabs the fish with its strong, sharp claws and pulls it out of the water, piercing the victim's body and squeezing it to death in its iron grip. With the fish still firmly in its talons, the bird lands high in a tree to eat its catch, using its hooked bill to pull the flesh free. It can carry half its own weight (so up to 3 kilos) of prey during the flight.
They lay one to three eggs, after 35 days the chick hatches from its egg. The chicks stay in the nest for 12 weeks, after which they fledge. The bald eagle's nest is called a horst, it can be almost 3 meters wide and 6 meters deep. The nest is so large that several people can fit in it, but almost never three young birds also hatch. Therefore, the third young is sometimes removed from the nest and placed elsewhere, or killed. A pair of bald eagles always stays together, they use the same nest every year. I think that is so cool and romantic, I am like an eagle aswell intypt way, and come to think of it maybe even more ways……
We got sheets with info and we listened well to all that was said and recorded some things but I also researched the internet ofcourse.
But the source for this blog is the farm, and Lars.
And my friend Monique was the inspiration for hubby to give me the bird gift, her instagram had photos and pictures. The profile is open for all to see. Go follow her aswell she is amazing.
Next time I will blog about Maya. Maya is the second biggest bird I held. She is a Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
Age: 8 years
Wingspan: 1.80 meters
Weight: 2500 grams
Appearance: Central and South Africa
In Africa, the Bateleur is nicknamed "Mountain Rooster" because of its colored adult plumage. The Bateleur flies in a special way because of the remarkably short tail feathers, which makes it less able to steer. She came flying and her black feathered head is gorgeous.
Read you next time !
@pinmapple https://www.roofvogelboerderij.nl and me
Also the bird farm is under special auspician
The SVRH aims to achieve this objective by:
Birds of prey keepers who give educational demonstrations and meet the criteria drawn up by the SVRH, make them visible to the government and the general public. Make information available on the welfare of birds of prey and owls living with humans. Impulse purchase of birds of prey and owls. Representing bird of prey keepers who give educational demonstrations in contacts with potential clients such as municipalities, companies and private individuals.
To represent bird of prey holders who are affiliated in meetings and consultations of the Platform Responsible Pet Ownership.
In the Netherlands, no minimum requirements are included in the legislation for the housing of birds of prey and owls. However, the foundation responsible for keeping birds of prey argues in favor of guidelines, based on Brambell's five freedoms.
Free from hunger, improper diet and thirst.
Free from thermal and physical displeasure.
Free from pain, injury or disease.
Free to exhibit species-specific behaviour.
Free from anxiety and chronic stress.
The explanation of these principles can be found under Minimum requirements
Also when you love birds like I do :
Internship The Farm is a recognized training company.
Are you interested in doing an internship with us and do you think you can meet the requirements below? Send an email with motivation and CV to info@roofvogelboerderij.nl If you meet the criteria, an interview will follow (if places are available). The most suitable candidates are hired.
- MBO level 3 or 4 and in year 3 or 4 or HBO training
- experience in working with birds of prey and owls is an advantage
- irregular times
- availability in weekends and/or evenings
- eager to learn
- hard worker, willing to roll up their sleeves a lot
- not averse to cleaning aviaries, feeding prey, etc.
- communicative
- representative
- "outdoor" / "nature" focused
- be able to work well together
- block weeks internship or for a longer period (minimum 2 days a week)
its appreciated and remember always focus on being creative
instead of being bee-zy.
Consistent Actions Create Consistent Results.
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(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me. @brittandjosie originals. Sources used : Pixabay and Pexels and with others its mentioned in my blog. I only use a canon camera and my iPhone.
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