Birds of Prey from the Texas Reniassance Festival

This weekend Hubby and I went to the festival. There was a wonderful show called Birds of Prey. I couldn't hear very well since there was a jerk close to me (not hubby) who was talking loudly to the person next to him. I'm hoping that someone will be able to identify these beautiful birds.

I took many photos and will share them here. I hope you all enjoy the photos.

Janet

I think I heard that this bird is from Africa. Her name is Ed. and she's very fiesty. She chased one of the gals all over the stage for quite some time. She held a chicken leg out and the bird had devoured the meat from it within about 4 seconds. Then really seemed to enjoy the bone as well.

Edited to add ID's for all of these birds from our resident bird expert Resin. Many thanks for taking the time to let us all know who's who here.

"Ed" - Cape Griffon Vulture
#2 - Red-tailed Hawk
#3 - American Black Vulture
#4 - Best fit is Augur Buzzard (from Africa)
#5 - Eagle Owl (from Europe/Asia)

This message was edited Nov 5, 2007 10:46 AM

A closer shot of Ed.

Closer still of Ed.

By the way, all of these birds were obtained through rescue efforts. They explained everything, but I couldn't hear much because of that jerk.

Ed seemed to have a perpetual scowl on her face.

You can get an idea of how big Ed is by this photo of her handler holding her.

Ed, showing off her beautiful wings.

Next up was this gorgeous bird.

Edited to ID the bird, thanks to Resin - #2 - Red-tailed Hawk


This message was edited Nov 5, 2007 10:46 AM

All of the birds, with the exception of Ed, would fly low over the audience. They (the audience) were all spellbound by the beautiful birds.

This one was really funny to watch. He/she would run around with the neck hunched up like you see here. It was very hard to get a photo of this bird. It definitely knew it's colors. The lady had a basket with colored plastic eggs in it. She tossed them all on the ground and told the bird to get the pink one. The bird went right for the pink egg. And opening it up, retrieved it's treat. She said they had an incredible sense of smell.

Edited to ID this bird, thanks to Resin - #3 - American Black Vulture


This message was edited Nov 5, 2007 10:47 AM

Not the clearest photo, but this shows that same bird from the back. Most of the photos of this bird were nothing but a blur. It was extremely fast!

Next up was this gorgeous bird. It was a bit bigger than the brown bird earlier. The markings were absolutely beautiful!

Edited to ID this bird, thanks to Resin - #4 - Best fit is Augur Buzzard (from Africa)


This message was edited Nov 5, 2007 10:47 AM

another shot of that bird

Same bird, just prior to swooping down over the audience

Same bird, from the back

Last shot of that bird

This beautiful owl was one of the main attractions. Everytime I'd take a photo, the lady would move her hand. These are the best of the many photos I took of this magnificent bird.

Edited to ID this bird, thanks to Resin - #5 - Eagle Owl (from Europe/Asia)

This message was edited Nov 5, 2007 10:48 AM

I just love his coloring.

Photo turned out a bit light, but at least you can see the owl's eyes in this shot. Biggest eyes I've ever seen.

The owl closed it's eyes just as I shot this one. Those eyelids look very thick. I suppose they have to be to keep the daylight out while sleeping. :-)

Another shot from the other side.

It was an incredible day for us. I hope you enjoyed the photos. If you'd like to read more about the Reniassance, check out the thread I started in the Texas Gardening forum. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/786911/ There are links to the home page of the festival there. It's going on each weekend through November. If you get a chance to go, it's well worth it to make the trip. Definitely a memorable experience that everyone should have. :-)

Janet

I do hope Resin or someone will come along and help with the ID's of these birds.

"Ed" - Cape Griffon Vulture
#2 - Red-tailed Hawk
#3 - American Black Vulture
#4 - Best fit is Augur Buzzard (from Africa)
#5 - Eagle Owl (from Europe/Asia)

Resin

Thank you so much Resin. I knew I could count on you for the identification of these beautiful birds. You are always such a wealth of information on all things birds. :-)

I will go back and put this information on the first post.


Janet

Thanks for posting the pics Janet; their beautiful!

Thank you Pelle. I really enjoyed the show, even if I couldn't hear what was being said. It was really hard to get the photos with the birds flying over and moving all around. There were many people taking photos. This act was one of the very best in the festival.

Anyone interested in the Texas Reniassance Festival can see another thread I started in the Texas Gardening Forum here http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/786911/ with lots more photos from the adventure. Or you can go on line to the offical site at www.texasrefest.com. It was well worth going to step back in time to the 16th Century. :-)

Janet

Last year for my b-day my BF and I went to a free owl "show" that was mostly to get kids interested. There were all rescue owls. When they she asked for an adult volunteer, my hand shot up because I wanted to be CLOSE. Welllll, I got up close and personal because what I volunteered for is to clean up the white wash. :)

Anyhooo (hoo hooo),
Here is another pic of the Eagle Owl, Sorry about the red-eye. We did get a bunch of pics, but I will post those at another time.

Gerat pic Shan. That eagle owl has got some mighty big feet!

Janet, great pics! I love the whole idea of the birds at the Renaissance Festival. The handlers in their regalia was so COOL! I will definitely visit your link, plus revisit the bird shots, I'm sure.

I'm glad you enjoyed the thread. About half of the people there at the Reniassance Festival were in costume!!

Janet

Janet,

Great shots!

Thanks for sharing.

Marilyn

I'm glad you enjoyed them MB. It was a very fun time!

Janet

Awe, I remember Ed! She was the only one the handler was afraid of (or so he said). I probably have some pics of her myself on the other computer from about 3 or 4 years ago. We usually go to Ren Fest about every other year, and I always make sure to catch the B of P show. I wish we could have gone this year.

Great pics!

Thanks PeeperKeeper. We really had a wonderful time and look forward to going back again next year.