OK, this rates pretty high on the “cool” scale, and not just because I happen to like the birds. The guide (pictured, with Echo), was intelligent and entertaining as she took us through to meet the various species.
The favorite story was about the first bird we met – a very large black eagle who was born at the center. She’s 20 years old now, and has been released into the wild – no less than 5 times. Last time, the director bundled her up, drove 5 hours away and released her. He then turned around and returned to find her sitting on the gate waiting for him to let her back into the cage. She now has a permanent job as an educator.
Lunch was at the Raptor Center (picnic sandwiches, buffet style), after which we had a flight demonstration. In addition to Echo, she had 4 native hawks who would snatch bits of food from the air. She explained that they catch insects on the fly as their main diet, crush them with their feet and then pass them to their mouths for in-flight dining.
Oh, and I got to hold Echo – only 5 were allowed, and I shamelessly pushed my way in line. Always wanted to be able to do that. He’s much lighter than you’d expect.
