EAGLES HERITAGE

By Akita Olsen

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While in the Margaret River area recently we popped into the Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre, and by fluke we had arrived 10 minutes before one of their daily flying demonstrations.

When I saw the word Raptor on the sign I thought I was going into Jurassic Park and going to see dinosaur bones. Needless to say - I learnt a lot during that morning. At Eagles Heritage you can see their magnificent birds up close and have a bird of prey sit on your arm at their twice daily Free-flight Displays at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm (if the weather isn't shocking). During the morning flight demo we were given the opportunity to walk out one at a time, to the arena, place a thick glove on and hold your arm out to have a huge bird placed on your hand - augh! Once I had calmed down I glanced at the bird - he looked fantastic but then he glared back at me and so I withdrew eye contact very quickly. The claws were holding on tight and I didn't want to move or shake - so I stood as still as a tree trunk. To be honest I wasn't going to go out and have a go but then I said to myself "when am I ever going to get another chance to have an eagle perch on my hand? I am now 30 years old and this is the first time this		Tawney Frogmouth
opportunity has arisen - do I wait another 30 years in case the chance pops up again then?" I decided to do it! I am so glad that I did. Here's the snap.

Once finished with the one on one with the eagle, the open air flying display began. This was amazing. You sit down and watch birds of prey fly around the area waiting to catch pieces of food. With food scraps being thrown in the air (sometimes in your general direction) it was an unreal sight to see these creatures close up and live in action grabbing items with their talons - not far from you!

After the flying display we had a half an hour walk around their display walk track - which winds past many cages with various birds - you will see the largest collection of Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls in Australia. The walk was lovely and set in beautiful natural bushland.

Eagles Heritage specialises in education of the public, rehabilitation of endangered species, and breeding of raptors (birds of prey).

If you are in the area, I recommend that you swing past and enlighten yourself. The Eagle Heritage can be found on Boodjidup Road, Margaret River - it is clearly sign posted, or visit them at their website: www.eaglesheritage.com.au

PS - Take your camera or video camera.