When I was young we used to visit our friends on their sheep & cattle farm in the New England area. One of the things that stands out in my mind was how many farms we drove past that had Wedge-tailed eagles strung up on farm fences and gates...being paraded like a trophy. So sad and disgusting. I was so happy to see this guy at our property at Ilford....I am so glad that times have changed.
Lovely Jackie. I love them too. We have a pair close by, they circle over our paddock very often. They are looking for ducks . Sometimes they fly over fast, that is before they let the captive Eagles fly at the Healesville Sanctuary, then they are after a free feed. (LOL) I have seen them there, the rangers quickly grab their BOP, and rush inside. They would be frightened their birds would follow the wild birds and never come back.
M-L
Thanks M-L, sounds like you reside in a lovely part of Vic. I wonder if that has ever happened at Healesville?
I do love these birds. I was on top of a high hill once when a pair flew over. I mean, right over my head. They circled around and came back for seconds. I was so excited I couldn't talk, just point and jump. They were close enough to see individual feathers. So beautiful. Don't see so many around nowadays so is good to know they are still out there.
Karen
Brisbane southside.
That would have been awesome Karen, we probably don't see many around because of habitat loss and alot of farmers used to shoot them for taking lambs.
I remember my mum always brining the cats inside whenever the Wedgies would fly over when we lived at Prospect (Western Sydney). Don't know if cat would ever be on their menu?? LOL
Hehe, I guess if cats were available, they would have made as good a wedgie meal as anything else.
Karen
Brisbane southside.
Hi Jackie, as the Eagle flys, I don't live that far from Healesville, yes, that's where they go for the free meal. I have seen it happen there twice. The captive Eagle notices the free Eagle and gets very nervous. The ranger told everyone, sorry we have to close now, and bring our birds inside, there is a wild bird above. They pack up quickly .
We often get them on our property, I had them sit in my trees, they look for ducklings and smaller birds. I know exactly when they are in the air, all the birds stop singing and go very quiet. Some weeks ago , as I was taking photos of some little birds, they all rushed under a shrub. Clever birds. I notice what the birds are doing first, and then I look up in the air to find the Eagles. The bird's warning is always spot on.
M-L