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Rory Hill
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Kerri-Jo Stewart
Photography by Kerri-Jo
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Bob Ianson
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Kerri-Jo Stewart
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Pacific Northwest Raptors
By Robyn Radcliffe
Have you ever had the chance to witness a stunning Bald Eagle swoop down to pluck a fish out of the ocean? Or had the luck to observe the silent, buoyant flight of an owl as he glides across a field in search of oblivious rodents. What about watching a Peregrine Falcon stoop from miles high in the sky to relentlessly pursue a duck. It’s an incredible experience to see a bird of prey flying, hunting, and watching with ever-alert eyes. So many of us are never lucky enough to experience the sheer intensity of these predatory birds. And even fewer of us have had the chance to be up close.
At The Raptors, this is exactly what they are lucky enough to do everyday and what they would like to share with you. They work with eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and more. These birds are mostly working, flying birds, hatched in human care; many of them right at their own centre. They take them out every day to let them fly freely in the skies. They encourage them to soar and explore the area surrounding the centre and to indulge in their love of flying. People ask “Why don’t they just fly away?” and the answer is; free food, a safe home, free health care and well-trained humans at your beck and call.
They do realize how lucky they are to work with them. If you ask any of their staff or volunteers, they will tell you what a thrill it is to have one of these intense and stunningly beautiful creatures land on your arm.
This small company has grown quickly as they work with birds of prey, facilitating a connection to nature for everyone that visits or encounters our birds. In creating a way for people to view a side of nature that is rarely seen so close, they hope to help foster a future ripe with conservationists and nature advocates; people who will do everything they can to ensure our environment receives the care and respect it requires.
Their centre in Duncan is home to most of the birds, although the birds also work at other sites, providing demonstrations or bird control. The visitor centres' main attraction is the very popular flying demonstrations. They are not only educational but also entertaining – allowing visitors a glimpse into the wonderful world of raptors. The bird’s fly, dive and soar around the crowds, while interpreters discuss their habits, skills, and personalities. They also offer hands-on courses (from 15 minutes to a week long), which provide people with the chance to hold a raptor, learn about them and have one land on their glove.
As mentioned earlier, these are working birds, providing bird control at airports, landfills, industrial sites, vineyards etc. Predatory birds can deter problem bird species (e.g. gulls, starlings, geese) to create safer or more productive work sites. It is a relatively new method of bird control in B.C but a particularly effective one, using natural predation that is environmentally friendly. Staff love to apply their knowledge of falconry and the birds enjoy having a job – it’s in their nature to patrol the skies.
They know they’ve succeeded in connecting visitors with nature when guests squeal in delight as one of the owl’s flies so close that they can feel her feathers; when people say “that was so fun I didn’t realize how much I learned”.
Visit the centre at 1877 Herd Road Duncan, BC, learn more calling (250) 746-0372 or visit us at www.pnraptors.com