Birds of Prey

Sunday 8th of Feb saw a presentation by David Barker-Gabb (Founding President Australasian Raptor Association) and demonstration by the Full Flight Conservation Centre of Eagles, Falcons and Owls that saw us up close and personal to watch them fly.

SSA students Pearl, Tilly, Milla and Sebastian along with some of their family members were fortunate enough to make it to the newly refurbished Christmas Hills Mechanics Institute Hall for the awe inspiring display of Native Birds of Prey as the SSA celebrated its first group outing.

The demonstration started off with 2 owls, Tin Tin the Masked owl and Stanley the Barking owl. Supremely and surprisingly quiet in flight, these gorgeous looking birds were dead silent, the perfect night predator. The flight show had these beautiful birds flying just centimeters from our heads as we sat in the gallery.

Next came Hayley, a Screeching Kite and was in stark contrast to the lithe Owls. Next came the a Hobby Falcon and Peregrine, birds of amazing speed and agility. Unfortunately the 'local residents' of Eagles were out and the handlers were uncomfortable flying these two majestic birds but the walk byes the handlers did got all of us close enough to see the vibrant plumage and contours of its wings.

Next came the show stopper! Zorro an 8 year old male Wedge Tail Eagle weighing close to 4kg, and what a sight to behold, with a wing span of 2m the audience was left in awe!

SSA students and family were fortunate enough to get up close and personal, even being included in the flight show! Being fitted with a sturdy leather glove we were able to hold Stanley the Barking Owl and pet and scratch Zorro, would you have ever dreamed of touching a Wedge Tail Eagle? WOW!

A truly remarkable day in the gorgeous surrounds of Christmas Hills and full credit to the Christmas Hills Landcare Group for organising such an event, to David Baker-Gabb for his excellent lecture and to the Full Flight Conservation Centre for their very informative and entertaining lecture and Birds of Prey flight show.

I know I was left on a high all night as I'm sure everyone else was too!

Full Flight Conservation Centre