The Raptor Project!

I've been meaning to write about this for a few weeks now and I am so excited....when we went to the Barnstable County Fair on Cape Cod, one of the main draws (for me, anyway) was the Bird of Prey exhibit advertised online. What I saw there was probably the best selection of birds I've ever seen (is that the right word, selection? I wasn't shopping...) It was so amazing, because when you see these birds up close and personal you are in awe of their grace and power.

Above:  This beautiful Bald Eagle has an injured wing from being hit by a car while he was trying to feed on some roadkill. He is so calm and tender, he even lets a little girl feed him some meat!

It's always great to see them in the wild of course, especially when you're photographing, but it's not often you'll look into a golden eagle's eyes or get to hold a barn owl (during the day!).  The birds were all calm, beautiful, and really well cared for, despite their injuries all sustained prior to being taken in by the project. Many of the birds are rescues and/or cannot fly or live in the wild.

 Above: a Kestrel chirps during the show.

 Above: this girl's family runs the Raptor Project, and she helps raise the birds. This cute little baby Barn Owl will soon be old enough to be on his own.

Above:  This 12 yr old Eagle Owl gets a nice cool drink of water.

The master falconer, Jonathon Wood, his wife and beautiful daughter are all part of the show and travel nationwide educating and showing their birds of prey. They book fairs, festivals, schools, and more. Read more about their project here and spread the word- this is truly a magnificent show and something you will not soon forget!

  

Above: baby Hawks have not yet grown in all their feathers. They snuggle in this little bin and wait for lunchtime.

Above: this tiny Burrowing Owl shows off to the audience his small but impressive wingspan!

Above: this is what it's like to be kissed by an owl...:)