Wingspan NZ

Here are some more photos I took at Wingspan National Bird of Prey Center.

The falcons  do not become attached emotionally. 

They know that this place is a source of food,

so they are eventually wired with GPS 

and can fly wherever they please. 

Apparently, Hubby was very pleasing!

You can see this one's wire as he (?) perches on a pole...

...way over there!

 The falcons we saw are used for breeding because they were too injured 

to be released back into the wild.

Their offspring are released and are kept observed as the falcons are more

endangered than the kiwi birds.

Barn owls made their way here from Australia and have made themselves at home!

Photo Souvenir

Nature Notes

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Wingspan

We went to Wingspan again over the weekend to see the falcons and barn owls.

They have a lovely presentation and there are some pretty nice chances for photos. 

Since the birds are not tethered (after being trained to stay around) they warn the

audience that the birds are apt to take off and sit on your head to look around at 

any time, usually the back row, since it's the highest.

I was a bit reluctant to send Hubby for my extra batteries, but he's a good bloke 

and went back to the car for me. On his way back, one falcon perched on a man

behind me and then decided Hubby was a higher perch! Apparently, he makes a great

look-out because the falcon flew over to perch on his head again later!

Barn owls from Australia have become a 'native' since they are breeding here now.

They are gorgeous creatures and Wingspan rehabilitates them along with the 

endangered falcons.

If you are ever in the Rotorua area, be sure to visit! The staff are so friendly and, 

obviously, love what they do.

Wild Bird Wednesday

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wingspan

Our main destination for the overnight trip was Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre  in Rotorua. 

Click here for their web page.

They have outdoor demonstrations of the New Zealand falcon that is a threatened species. All their falcons have come to them with injuries. They are then paired up for mating and their offspring are eventually released into the wild.

At Wingspan, they are trained to come at command and, when that is accomplished, they are free to fly wherever they want, as you can see!

Three different birds and handlers informed us of many facts we didn't know.

They were rewarded with a treat of meat.

At the end of the show they surprised us with a beautiful barn owl from Australia.

It seems they have made their way over here (hitching rides) and now are considered endemic because there are quite a few mating pairs here.

This one was rewarded with a mouse which he enjoyed by the look on his face!

If you are ever in Rotorua, be sure to stop by, it's well worth your time.

                                      Join us at My Corner of the World each Wednesday!