Raptors
 

I went to a raptor center in the area to get some pictures of birds. This center rehabilitaes birds that have been injured and also has a show with owls, hawks and falcons

A couple of barred owls
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...9/original.jpg

An eagle owl that was part of the show at the center
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...8/original.jpg

Another owl
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...7/original.jpg

A Cooper's (I think) hawk
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...6/original.jpg

A gyrafalcon. The hood over its head is supposed to keep the bird calm while it is tied to the stand.
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...3/original.jpg

Gyrafalcon circling looking for the lure it was trained to chase
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...4/original.jpg

Falcon getting its reward after catching the lure
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...5/original.jpg

Back on the handler's arm
http://www.pbase.com/dwootton/image/...2/original.jpg

the eyes on the third owl are incredible... and his feet are huge - no wonder owls are such good hunters...


The falcon in flight is an impressive pic -- falcons are such beautiful birds