Hi guys...I am struggling to post on DG....got one through...
This is a Martial Eagle, taken at the only raptor rehabilitation facility in the Northern Cape. They take injured birds, repair and release them and it is a great opp to see them close-up.
#1b Martial from distance. I had to go though nets, because these are wild, they do not take kindly to humans. But so beautiful.
#1c Claws....at 80cm this is a big bird....
#2 Black-Chested Snake-Eagle
#2b, He damaged his leg.
#3 Verreaux's Eagle, also Black Eagle, we call them "Witkruisarend" (White-cross Eagle, direct) and you will see why! I just love these, maybe because I saw my first one in the wild when I was about 10 at only a few meters and at 90cm it was so big. But it has remained a lasting memory.
#3b Another pic.
Had to get a pic of the white cross, he did not like this. I understand that this beauti will soaring the skies by now again...Please be careful next time.
I will add some more of the other species if you guys want, I took lots of pics. A few more raptors and many other species in the bush itself.
Beautiful Bird's Little_things! Yes please post away! :)
Brilliant birds, Little. Please do post more.
Hi Little, Wonderful shots of these beautiful raptors!
#4 Lanner Falcon
#4b They also remind me of paintings....maybe it's the Egyptian connection, but they are just superb!
#5 Lapped-faced Vulture....had a bit of wing trouble...what is nice about these as you can see, they are totally in the open and can fly off if ready, it also means that this spot is frequented by other vultures.
What is nice is seeing them close-up. I see them high in the sky, but this is the second time ever, I have seen them like this. They are so very interesting with their "proud" and "creepy" walking, the GANGSTERS of the bird world. LOVE them.
A final pic.
#6 Ostrich...just for fun! It is our biggest! LOL
#7 Southern Pale-chanting Goshawk or PCG, this one is about ready to go!
#7a Another pic...another angle!
Now this is 100% how you see them in nature, this one got a wing problem, which is on the mend.
#Note, there was a 3rd, but it was kept seperate and it was totally imprinted, as it was raised by humans and thought itself to be human, it interacted with us and it was so curious, again, it lets you get another sense of the birds and well you get a warm feeling. Let me add, that I hate caged animals, especially birds, I do see the need for protection, etc, but I cannot go to a zoo. In this case though, these "angels" give some of these lovelies a way back and a second chance, and they do it for the love of it.
#8 White Stork or European Stork, these actually fly, according to the guy, to Eastern Europe. This one cannot fly anymore, but he seems content to walk around and his mates do visit.
#9 Verreaux's Eagle-Owl - one big owl 65cm. Very rare to see. I've only heard them. This one is an old lady and she is very cool, so I got to see her close-up. She is just BEAUTIFUL!
I snapped a few pic, she is the hollywood star!
Just a hint of the "power" underneath the evening dress!
Now how can you NOT love the "face"...reminds me of the reserved wise old owl! I can spend days with her, fascinating.
I will add some more pics later...I haven't started with the bush yet! Hope you like them so far.
I like them very much Little! Great job!
Thank you Little things for showing us all of these beauties. Wow!
The Owl is Gorgeous! Really like the color's on the Goshawk also! Great pics.!
Little, your birds are incredible. Love your comment about the vultures being the gangsters of the bird world. That owl is fantastic in her "evening dress". Keep them coming.
Little things, what a joy to see your pictures. Thanks for taking us along on your visit. I too
am inlove with that owl. I swear, she's wearing false eyelashes.
Time for Africam!
Just to give some sense on "gangster" comment, check this Lapped-face approach to the Cape Vulture...big strides, low head, fixed eyes on the target...one thought: "here comes trouble"
#10 Cape Vultures
Another shot.
2 of these cannot fly anymore, but they nested, and the first chick was said to be the first to be hatched in the Northern Cape for many a year, by Nature Conservation. They have raised 2 more chicks since then.
#11 White-backed vulture, tagged. It is still fairly young I think.
Another shot.
Thanks for the comments so far....I am so glad you enjoy it. I had great fun, and it is nice to share the experience, forgive the spelling from time to time.
Gorgous! You got some great "face shots" also... love the falcon!
Wow. These are birds and scenes I would never in my lifetime have seen except for your posting. Thank you.
They are magnificent. And the closeups of their talons remind me that it would be very dangerous to be prey.
