|
I worked with Raptors for decades doing both research and rehab. I developed a trap for Peregrines so that a researcher could do DNA surveys. Same with White Bellied Sea Eagles. I had Eagles, Falcons and Owls in rehab for a number of years. Beautiful, majestic animals... but so dangerous, especially when injured. DON'T EVER TRY TO GRAB ONE; virtually guaranteed you will regret it. I've had to enlist several people with pliers to remove talons from my hands.
One of the most humbling experiences you can have is to release a full grown eagle and watch it fly away. To old for it now but I live in the bush so I get wedge tailed eagles regularly, various falcons, harriers and several owl species hang around, including Boobooks and Masked Owls.
There is a pair of White Goshawks with a territory in my valley. They are the toughest birds I have ever encountered, and by far the most dangerous. Pure white with ruby eyes and inch long talons... Had one in rehab for six months and I swear it was trying to work out how to get me the whole time. It did in the end and I have the scars to prove it. It survived to fly again despite multiple metal pins in its wing.
|