Flight A Journey For Raptors
Falcon Ridge is not only a rehabilitation center for raptor birds, it is a place to learn more about these magnificent species that roam our skies, education shared encourages us all to better understand nature.
Seeing birds caged never appealed to me, however justifiable due to circumstances, each is able to leave when sufficiently recovered to fly free once again.
Seldom does one gets the opportunity to see these graceful birds big or small up close, as is offered at Falcon Ridge where dedicated personnel explain movement of species, how they obtain extreme heights on thermals, exceptional eye-sight allows them to survey below, adjust body movement with ability of diving to snag their food. Some are able to do this on wing. Birds were not particularly happy to go out on the day, rising-air columns (thermals) not being particularly good around mid-morning, some did venture off taking some time to try find the right lift to enable them to return. Remembering these birds are using this period of time for healing, exercising their wings while still under rehabilitation. Not all will go out today, I would imagine they take it in turns to give each an opportunity for the sake of health and rehabilitation to fly with wild birds in the region. Vultures take a bad rap about being scavengers, considering they keep diseases at bay by cleaning up carcasses in the bush, perhaps once you learn more about them your respect for them grows. Only roosting on cliff ledge with one egg at a time these are concerns especially related to the Cape Griffon vulture. Large vultures (I was shocked at how big this bird is) enable the smaller species to feed once their immensely powerful hook shaped bill, designed to tear any carcass open,, with bald head and neck to keep rotting meat from sticking when they dive deep into a carcass. When sitting close one gets the full meaning of their size and beauty. So why are these big powerful birds so endangered, most of them are due to not having the big trees they once had for breeding in, power lines, poisoning which may happen innocently when farmers apply certain drugs to treat their livestock, cultural beliefs that certain body parts posses powers are a few reasons. Thinking to our future of birds how would inquisitive visitors affect breeding by using drones to visit nests, how would wind turbines affect our birds when placed in regions where wildlife is thriving, we most definitely need more education on how to live with nature without disturbing what is inherently not ours to meddle with. First to land is N215, yes tagged and satellite tracking is used should the bird take to the skies looking for companionship or deciding it is time to make a move, these birds are highly endangered, utmost care is taken! Cape Griffon Vultures in a race back to their cage, flight done, treat has been gulped down, well they must be happy running past the Azalea bushes to see who can outrun the next.... Verreaux's Eagle A well studied big black eagle ranging through regions of Africa, for more information visit. Avibase **Verreaux's Eagle went out, but as mentioned battled to gain height with thermals not conducive for big birds flight, took quite some time out finding his way back home. Return is so swift once they have gained the right altitude, best shot on his return managed. Fish Eagle we are fortunate to see often around our home, here are two in rehabilitation giving close up view and enjoying his call. The Yellow-billed kites above were hoping for morsels by diving around doing acrobatic dance above while the show tried to continue. Fish Eagle responded to the call before going out to enjoy the wind under his wings. Sound of Africa Fish Eagle used a completely different approach in landing procedure, coming in low over the seated guests giving a wonderful display... yup right up and close before getting his treat. Sadly one Fish Eagle I think his name is Charlie had been resident at this very rehabilitation home, recovered was released only to return after a farmer shot him permanently damaging his wing which is clearly visible. No longer requiring a cage he roams freely and remains permanently here, no he is not fond of people but will allow children relatively close to observe.
Cape Eagle Owl Came out to visit, being nocturnal has little sight in sunlight, charming colour in plumage and gorgeous big golden orange eyes.
Peregrine Falcon - Image of a man, horse, dog and bird going out in search of food, what better combination than having a bird above to spot the prey, a horse for speed of getting to destination and dog to run alongside making sure nothing goes wrong with the hunt.
The bird will no longer be your eyes if you don't reward it with some of the prize, a lesson to be learned sharing with nature, never abusing these special talented animals offering to share their kingdom with us. Before leaving Falcon Ridge the Rehabilitation Center for wonderful birds of our skies we quietly ambled around past the next section of cages birds and with a happy/sad exit knowing I will return to see these magnificent birds again both to support future teachings as well as enjoying seeing them on wing, high up again the mountain ridges flying free as they should. He came close to say hello before we turned back into the mountains once again to enjoy our holiday. Taking our leave, tummy grumbling it's lunch time, till next time when I have smaller birds in the area once again. All photography is my own, any queries or requests please drop a comment below, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod go with the flow wherever life takes you. Thought for Today: "When vultures surround you, try not to die." - African Proverb Places to Enjoy On Hive: #powerhousecreatives hive-114105, #qurator hive-102880, #featheredfriends @melinda010100 in hive-106444, #wednesdaywalk @tattoodjay in hive-155530, #amazingnature @adalger in hive-127788, #alwaysaflower @dswigle in hive-154065, #feelgood community @barbara-orenya in hive-19093, #theterminal learn Hive @thekittygirl @brittandjosie in hive-101265 !pinmapple -29.01822 lat 29.43679 long Champagne Castle Drakensberg South Africa D3SCR
Swift in flight no captures of landing, only giving the look as if to 'say this is mine, all mine!'
