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| Bald Eagle named Liberty |
Yesterday, thanks to our friends the Calvins, we had the chance to attend a presentation on birds of prey also known as raptors. Not only did we learn about these wild birds and their essential part in the ecosystem, but we also saw some amazing real life specimens within arms reach.
Jane Fink, a raptor biologist and Master Falconer, transported four magnificent birds all the way from Coeur d'Alene to Boise for Bald Eagle Days. A sparrow falcon, a red-tailed hawk, a great horned owl, and a bald eagle. These four species can simultaneously be seen around Boise and more specifically in the Barber area where bald eagles nest during their winter migration.
You may be asking why these birds are in cages and not in the wild. At one point in time, they were in the wild, but after falls from nests, failed poaching attempts, or human imprinting, they have all been rescued from certain death. Scientists, like Jane, provide these birds of prey with medical treatment and rehabilitation with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild. The birds we met were unfortunately unable to return to the wild. All four of them were found injured and then fed by humans, which lead to an irreversible condition of human imprinting. The birds identify humans as their food source and can no longer feed themselves in thewild.
Although now permanently cared for by humans, these magnificent creatures have wild instincts and we were all to keep quiet and still during the presentation. Usually, the bigger the bird, the more frightened of humans they are. Jane slowly opened the last box containing Liberty the bald eagle and enticed it to her leather glove. As soon as the box's wooden door was fully opened, Liberty got spooked, spread her wings wide (6 feet wingspan), and tried to fly away. She was quickly pulled back down by the chain linking the ring around her feet to Jane's leather glove. After five seconds upside down, Jane managed to pull the bird back up to a normal stand. Liberty's wings were so powerful. It felt like a giant fan was turned on in the room during those five seconds. All the kids were impressed by the display of power. Later, as Jane was narrating the story of Liberty, the bird suddenly squawked at the audience causing everyone to jump from their seats. She finished the presentation quite nicely.
For more information on Jane Fink's organization "Birds of Prey Northwest" check out this link www.birdsofpreynorthwest.org/index.html
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