Jul 06 2008
Birds of Prey
Friday, July 4th, before people were waking up with grandeur visions of fireworks to look forward to, me and my Dad were already gearing up to head out west to Luckenbach, Texas. Something far more exciting than fireworks was taking place there, something more educating and rewarding: Last Chance Forever Bird Conservancy was hosting a demonstration with their birds of prey.
I had never been to Luckenbach, and was surprised to see the natural beauty of it. We were greeted by a rooster crowing up above in one of the massive live oak trees that provided shade through out the area. South Grape Creek’s clear waters let us see some of its habitants, and some massive cyphress and oak trees.
We then went and found the LCF group, and acquainted ourselves with some of the staff and volunteers, and soon thereafter, the demonstration began. John Karger talked about the importance raptors and birds of prey to the environment and their impact on the cycle of life.
He brought out various hawks, including the bay-winged hawk, and a vulture. They were all beautiful, and important to the environment in their own way.
When they brought the bald eagle out, the emotional tension in the crowd could be felt. What an amazing creature. It is a sad story, this particular eagle is missing a portion of it’s wing because he was shot by a man who claimed that it killed his dog. If only humans would remove themselves from blissful ignorance, and do some research before they hunt and shoot an American icon, they would know that bald eagles do not attack land animals, they are fishers. Their enormous talons are long with sharp claws so they can effectively feed themselves by fishing. If life is tough and fish are scarce, they will feed off dead carcasses of animals. So people, please educate yourselves, your children, your family, whatever it takes to keep these animals off the endangered species list. Not only that, but keep your friends and family out of prison, because shooting a bald eagle is a felony punishable by time in prison and hefty fines.
This magnificant creature is unable to return to his home, he will never return to his nest, which he was probably hatched and raised in, and is older than he is. He will never return to his mate, and he will never hunt in a natural environment again. His journey is not one that he chose. He will endure a life on the road with humans, humans who have dedicated their lives to saving these precious creatures.
