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| Close Encounters |
 Ever wanted to feel the weight of a bird of prey on your arm? You can do this, and more, at Eagle Encounters in Stellenbosch. A visit to this centre at Spier is well worth the short drive from Cape Town.
The Bird of Prey Rehabilitation, Education and Falconry Centre, the only one in the Western Cape, offers interactive tours of a variety of raptors. Observe falcons and eagles in flight. Get to know Gizmo, the mischievous Spotted Owl, Wally the Wahlberg Eagle and various goshawks and falcons. The newest bird is Mary Lou, a secretary bird recently savaged by a dog. She is surprisingly tame, but still samps her "prey" before eating it.
Falconer Hank Chalmers emphasises that this is not a bird park. The raptors, controlled by Hank, fly around visitors. They are not housed in tiny cages, but rest on perches. Visitors may don the falconer's glove to hold some of the eagles and owls themselves. Hank takes visitors around the centre to meet each of the birds. Anecdotes and interesting factoids make these guided tours highly informative.
Eagle Encounters is ideal for school groups, tourists and anyone interested in learing more about these winged predators. If winter lethargy means you do only one activity this month, make sure you visit Eagle Encounters.
Article written by Terry de Vries
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Copyright 2008 © ~ Eagle Encounters.