National Eagle Center

[Timster]

Greetings Plan B-eings.

Whilst taking a road trip to Wabasha to get a final picture of the finished 'Addition' as promised to Kristina; I decided that since the National Eagle Center was only a couple of blocks away that I would make the best use of my petrol and time and stop for a visit. Something that I neglected to do during the months while building it as we all commuted to the job site as a crew.

Here are a few pics of my visit, enjoy:



Columbia consuming a rat during one of the daily lectures. (And yes, she ate the whole thing.)











Columbia choking on the rat's tail.















Just to get an idea of their size; here's a pic of me (6'1" 210 lbs.) and Angel in the lobby.



Here's some of the other eagles at the center including a Golden Eagle: (All of them are rescues.)















Some shots of the facility: (Note the actual bridge that was featured in the mural on the wall of the lecture room.)

[The Hen]

Isn't she beautiful!

You have a wonderful eye for framing a shot Timster. I encourage you to pursue this.

[The Hen]

Oh.... I like your term "Plan-beings",

A big "thumb-up" from me.

[Timster]

They really are beautiful. Especially so when up close. One doesn't realize how big they actually are.

And thank you very much Hen. (whistling and kicking a tin)

I have seriously considered getting a proper camera. With my natural affinity for wildlife and nature; I think that I may have a good go at it. I appreciate the encouragement.

[The Hen]

I agree I had no idea they were THAT big.

Mind you, you could be lying and you are really only 5 foot 2 inches tall and 140 pounds.




Get a proper camera Timster. You deserve it and it will assist in your development. Consider It as an investment and not an expense. (When the time's right.)

[Guinevere]

Gorgeous birds! I love raptors --- the meat eaters of the bird world. I've got local Osprey who fish in the pond across from my house and I love to watch them stalk their prey, but Eagles aren't around here any more.

I've always that that with a handle like Guinevere, I should have a trained falcon or hawl (I've always wanted a kestrel, specifically) at my disposal. Imagine one one my shoulder while I was in court!!



Thanks Tim!

[Gob]

I love eagles, couldn't eat a whole one though...

But to be serious, one of the most sublime experiences of my life was flying at a local paragliding site, in the company of two wedge-tail eagles, who provided the best thermal markers known to man.



I flew within 20 foot of them, as they are accustomed to paragliders at that site and see us as no threat.

[loCAtek]

Awesome Timster!

In case you missed it on Falcon Cam 2011, these are my neighbors to the north of San Ho, living near the Calaveras Reservoir.;

http://gallery.me.com/jhl49#100380

Surprising to have Bald Eagles in California, I hope this means the population is steadily increasing.



This pic was from a few years ago, but the pair seem to have found the area to their liking and settled in. I understand this year's nest is in a traditional oak tree.