So how just how did we manage to fix such good weather for our photo-shoot to 'Eagles Flying', the Irish Raptor Research Centre in Ballymote, County Sligo on Sunday? After our last grey, rainy day out to Drumcliffe, we were hoping for some better weather and against the odds, we headed off in the sunshine to photograph a flying display of eagles, owls and other birds of prey. Although closed for the winter, the Centre opened especially for the 31 members who came out.
The Centre is home to 350 animals and birds from 75 different species including a Harris Hawk that was partial to Peter's hat and a saddleback pig that liked the look of Tony! We enjoyed a lively commentary from Lothar Muschketat, assisted by his wife Regina, son Alex, and helper Stephen, and watched eagles, owls, hawks and vultures swoop and dive overhead for rewards of food.
The Centre is a sanctuary for injured and endangered animals and birds – and we heard how there has been an upsurge of abandoned owls after doting parents copied the Harry Potter books and bought their children pet owls, but then couldn't care for them. The Centre is also temporary home to some gannets and a swan who will fly back into the wild when they are fit enough.
The fine weather meant we were lucky to have an outdoor flying display - the Centre now offers winter-time indoor displays in a purpose-built building on the site. If you missed the shoot, Eagles Flying is well worth a visit – a beautiful setting, lots of birds and animals to view and pet (guinea pigs, rabbits, donkeys and others), and the live show is very entertaining. Visitors can see indoor birds of prey flying displays from December 1st until Christmas Eve, at 6pm daily.
View members photos HERE.
LGC
1 comment:
Another great group shot...well done Tony!
Post a Comment