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!'
Such majestic, proud birds... You got some great shots here!
Brilliant watching the birds, very informative show given, I would recommend to anyone who loves birds to visit @ackhoo
These are all so proud, powerful and very beautiful birds.
The vultures are huge, I have seen them in documentary films, but I can imagine when you see them with your own eyes in nature they look even bigger 😀
That's a great and interesting post about majestic birds, Joan, thanks for sharing your amazing photos 😊
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A place I planned to visit for some time, so glad we made it, really a highlight not to be forgotten and revisit when in the area again.
Photography of birds out of cages allows a wonderful opportunity to get the size from relatively close proximity. With good camera equipment, tripod and more organized one could really get a fantastic photo shoot.
I had fun just trying to get the best I could, these birds come in so quickly, timing one shot is about the best I was able to do. Your visit is greatly appreciated as always and thanks for the !BEER and goodies they too are appreciated and enjoyed.
You're most welcome, dear Joan 😊
We have a zoo for birds of prey at a castle in the next town, but I have to admit that I haven't visited it yet. The birds can fly free and there are hunting demonstrations and such. You can see them when you drive by. Maybe I could visit it next year.
Cheers and !BEER
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Well worth knowing more about which birds are up in your region, of which there must be many with mountains and trees so abundant.
Great opportunity to get closer for photography although not the main reason for the visit. Supporting people who are looking after nature helps them keep going too, like we do with circulating !BEER over Hive 🤣
Our smaller birds are by far not as colorful as yours are, but the raptors are about the same. I know many of them, but I always have to google their names ;)
Supporting the people who help animals and the nature is always a good deed, and and help counts, just like a little !BEER here 😉
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Wow! Almost exactly like the "Eagle Encounters" rehab centre here Lady Joan.
I think that I posted about it and the "Cheetah Centre" about a year or two ago.
Very informative and a pleasure to visit them knowing that they set the animals free after rehab.
A lovely and very well detailed post here Lady Joan.
Blessings!
Being caged I always feel saddened, reality hits home as to how many birds are being afflicted by human development and change.
Having seen vultures circling in many parts of our country it was a highlight getting a close encounter with them.
Knowing many of these species are flying free in the mountains is good to know, giving the caged rehabilitated birds the opportunity to find mates when they are ready for release.
Thanks for visiting and comments, enjoy a !BEER to kick-start new week and may it be successful in every which way.
I think that you know how I feel about cages Lady Joan.
My heart always sank into my shoes when I saw a big bird hanging dead at the top of the Eskom towers. The flat parts of the Free State was the worst, as the towers were the only things for them to sit on. We did the lines from Grootvlei (Heidelberg) to Kroonstad and not only was I bombed by Kiewiets, but I had to endure that dreaded feeling of seeing the dead birds.
The rehab centres do great works and we also support them.
May the new week also be kind to all of you!
Any animal hurt by industrial contraptions annoys most of us animal lovers, sadly rehab places are needed now in more ways than just one.
Heidelberg to Kroonstad is very flat with very few hills around for big birds to rest, power lines have become an enemy to larger birds.
Kiewiets bombing you, now that is a giggle! I adore those arrogant small birds that think they are eagles swooping down on you 😁
Oh yeah and they call us the bleeding hearts Lady Joan.
Funny how anything good get's a deregotary name and every bad thing gets a popular name.
I think that they developed sound emitting sensors to place at the top of the towers. At least that was the talk and I don't know if it was ever done.
Funny to see a Kiewet striking the windscreen of a 4x4 bakkie my friend. Some of them think that they are flying elephants lol. The servitude is normally deserted except for the farmers on some farms that plant in it, which led to many arguments when I traveled through their "lands" with a convoy of trucks and 300 laborers. But that's a long story for another day!
Blessings!
Always two sides to every story 😄 small birds with big attitude know how to defend their territory.
Moving around the country doing what you did must hold some amazing stories.
Hahaha, cute little things that will defend the areas around their nests with their lives.
Oh yes, I have many stories, but the sad thing is that I was not into photography at the time.
Blessings!
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BEER.Ohhhh amazing birds if you can call them that. They look so majestic. Like they are lions among birds.
Gorgeous, thanks for sharing.
Each species has unique talent, graceful in the air once they get going.
We are extremely fortunate in seeing some of these down on the coast, enjoying them in the mountains a pleasure.
Thank you for providing a look at useful activities. Predators are my favorite birds :-)
Have a good new week @joanstewart
It was fun seeing them responding to wild birds looking for a free meal, the yellow-billed kites were coming down to also claim a treat.
Wind conditions on the day did not have the vultures go out, however we had seen them two days earlier when birds came from near and far to join in at the feeding platform in the next valley.
:-)
Mrs. Joan, I have a question.
Can I use some of your photos from this article as inspiration for the new weekly challenge for ANC?
You are most welcome to use a few, I know you will give credit when using photos @bucipuci I look forward to seeing what you are putting up.
Of course I will introduce you as a source :-). I wouldn't dare do it without it.
You are always kind and thoughtful, anything for nature @bucipuci keep going strong.
:-)
In about two hours I will issue a new challenge with your photos.
Wow, magnificent animals. I really like those eagles.
Many cages held two birds together, affording some form of company to each other, possibly breeding pairs that will eventually be released.
Wonderful seeing the raptors ar this amazing centre through your eyes Joan, love the sound of the Fish Eagle!
Each one was so different in size and design, really a well worthwhile visit to see them all.
We have fish eagles pass over our home regularly, a breeding couple of crowned eagles in Doonside currently, and of course the yellow-billed kites are back in town down here as well, we are spoiled! I know my brother who lives up your way sees big birds often as well.
The raptors are amazing! You have so many great shots! I like the falcon that claims his prize, still watching your eyes.
Toeing it, going in for the claim.
These are fabulous, Joan!!!
Falcon is so fast in flight, photos don't do them justice so I did not post, but the 'look' once he accomplished his feat is one you will not forget in a hurry.
Really interesting presentation, a place I would recommend locally for children to learn to appreciate birds Denise.
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful new week.
Your photography is awesome and beautiful birds!
I have always enjoyed watching birds through the seasonal changes, this was a highlight being on holiday @sreypov
This is certainly a power pack of knowledge on all these beautiful birds very interesting and informative read and great photos to go with it some of these birds i have never seen thanks for sharing truly a wonderful post 👍
The vultures stole the day, they are so big yet graceful once off the ground, they perform such a massive role in to eco-system, it was amazing to see them so close.
Thanks for visiting and lovely comment @kohsamui99
Thank you @joanstewart it is one place i would love to get to and witness these beautiful birds for myself it was a really enjoyable post to see and read ☺️
i like Brown Snake Eagle. amazing photographs sir...
I would have loved to spend more time just watching them, for me some new some familiar faces, all lovely @tussar11 always in nature!
This is one spectacular show of mighty powerful birds Eagles i love so much these are all awesome photos and great info. Thanks for sharing this great post 👍
Thanks for visiting @bigsambucca it was something to remember, wonderful to see people working with raptors in need.
Wonderful captures of the birds Joan. Thanks for sharing your visit to Falcon Ridge the Rehabilitation Center. Most enjoyable seeing the injured birds safe at the Center.
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BEER.Awe inspiring visit from big to small raptors, knowing people still care to assist makes my day Jo. Thanks for visiting along with !BEER to enjoy at the end of day.
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BEER.This is so amazing, @joanstewart. It makes me happy to see that the raptors are being cared for and rehabilitated and then set free. But it makes me wonder why there are so many that are needing care. And what happens in places where there isn't an incredible trained team to rehabilitate birds?
At any rate, they are really gorgeous birds. You captured them so well. The one of the bird flying low straight toward the people in chairs is a little chilling!
There are a number of sanctuaries around the country caring for injured animals, many birds nesting in the area will be monitored for further breeding with vultures/eagles being endangered.
Most veterinarians are able to assist before wildlife will be moved to a sanctuary.
In our area any animal hurt we phone CROW - Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife which is not far from where we live, they always collect the bird/animal.
Animals or birds will be moved between the centers for specialized treatment, recovery then release. Thanks for visiting and interest taken @jayna