skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Sequoia, the 24-year-old eagle, has been getting her daily exercise here at Byxbee Park in Palo Alto, California since February, but I did not find out about it until a few days ago and I immediately went the next day to see this firsthand.
I understand she might only be exercising here for another week before her feathers will start to molt and will not return until the fall.
This was my first time being so close to a flying eagle.
From what I read, she is being cared for by humans because years ago a gunshot wound damaged one of her legs and paralyzed her tail to where she could not fend for herself in the wild.
I am happy she can still fly.
Three handlers accompany Sequoia to this park for about 30-45 minutes to let her fly and eat.
The handlers form a triangle at different areas of the park. One handler blows his whistle and waves a yummy piece of raw meat to entice her to fly to him. Then the next handler blows his whistle and the whole process starts over again until they run out of food.
Here, one of the handlers displays the food high in the air to draw Sequoia's attention.
She flies in and is about to land. Those are some sharp talons!
The handler gives her a gentle push to help her lift off to fly to the next handler.
Yes, it was a beautiful day to fly an eagle and to photograph her.
Visit other Skywatch Friday participants.
- Karen
20 comments:
Wow -- what an amazing sight. Fabulous shots!
Very cool, I am happy that Sequoia is being well cared for. Love the eagle flight shots.
These are too cool. It's nice that she can still fly.
Happy sky watching.
My sky.
WOW...
love that close shot
Preciosas secuencias...un abrazo desde Murcia.
Beautiful shots.
we have a bald eagle here who is nesting - a very rare event for our area! it will be exciting if the chick survives.
Great shots, especially the head on shot and the one of it about to land on the handlers arm.
It's great. I remember similar culture in Japan.
https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=%E9%B7%B9%E5%8C%A0&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=NaqDUf3qKYeulAWx1YGIAw&ved=0CEUQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=635
Fantastic!
Truly amazing captures!
How truly lucky you were. They are such gracious and amazing birds, your shots are truly lovely. Lucky lucky girl!
Wow that is amazing. Good thing the Eagle is being cared for and she is doing ok. Sorta anyway. MB
What a beautiful and amazing series! And terrific tale too, knowing there are those care for such magnificent creatures.
This is pretty amazing! Your shots of the event are great. I'm sure it was great to see in person this eagle flying around.
Amazing photos, I love that large eagles, she is a wonderful bird.
What a majestic bird! That was a great opportunity to get so near her for the shots.
Wonderful photos of a wonderful looking bird!
You have captured it in flight so very wonderfully. And its a pleasure to know a bit of its story.
Have a lovely day :)
What a great predator and top pictures.
Greetings,
Filip
I love that first shot! Perfectly sharp and in focus.
Post a Comment