Birds of Prey
Perhaps you've heard of the West Coast Eagles' latest mascot, Auzzie? Last weekend, at a birds of prey display in Whiteman Park, Perth, I got to see Auzzie up close and personal. Not my usual way to spend a Sunday afternoon -- but, if you get the chance, I heartily recommend it.
Auzzie the wedge-tailed eagle has a 2.5 metre wingspan, and, apparently, a slovenly top-speed of 95 km/hr. Slovenly, that is, compared to the white (?) falcon, which flys at 200 km/hr. But then Mr Falcon drags his feet compared to his cousin, peregrine, who smokes along at 400 km/hr! Unfortunately Mr P. wasn't part of the show.
White falcon (?)
Not for speed but for looks, the owl was also impressive. Although he preferred to remain perched on his keeper's arm rather than fly, he cut a striking pose, and, from time to time -- when it suited him! -- he did rotate his head.
Auzzie the wedge-tailed eagle has a 2.5 metre wingspan, and, apparently, a slovenly top-speed of 95 km/hr. Slovenly, that is, compared to the white (?) falcon, which flys at 200 km/hr. But then Mr Falcon drags his feet compared to his cousin, peregrine, who smokes along at 400 km/hr! Unfortunately Mr P. wasn't part of the show.
White falcon (?)
posted by Sauntering Walker at 10:39 PM
7 Comments:
Nice photos... sorry we didn't make it to see you on SUnday.
No dramas, Tara. It was a great night (photos to come soon); I hope the Adams family got some rest.
No such thing as a white falcon...not in Australia anyway. There are black falcons, brown falcons, grey falcons and Ford falcons. No white falcons. The one in your picture is a brown falcon or an immature black falcon. Would you like a bird identification book?...
Thanks Tom. I'd be very glad to receive, or to buy, a bird identification book. Suggest any good ones?
Photos look great, it must be amazing to see the wedge-tailed eagle up close and personal. I remember when I was little seeing the eagles flying high above us in the Clare Hills. They seemed so massive and scary - I used to think they were about to swoop down, pick me up and fly me to the heights of their nest way up in the trees.
Have there been calls to dye Auzzie yellow and blue? The kids would love it, but it would be very cruel and probably attract the media attention that the Eagles love.
Thanks for the wonderful comments on the show. The falcon in the photo's is a 3 yr old Brown Falcon and her name is Ford. No, I did not name her, however I did name the next falcon that came in for rehabilitation as GT. He he he
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