Life in Carinthia remains inspiring and gorgeous. We went to the most amazing raptor show at
Landskron Castle which is on
the top of a hill - if you can imagine a quidditch pitch
from Harry Potter less the Firebolt, bludgers or golden snitch - that's the feeling. From little kestrlels, Egyptian vultures to 3 different kinds of sea eagles, many different owls, eagles, kites and falcons. A few species familiar to South Africa, including the Verreux's, Tawny, Goshawk, and a snake eagle very similar to the Brown Snake with its upright perching and yellow eyes.
The golden eagle was an absolute highlight - an
eagle that has been on my list to see my whole life - its grandeur and
magnificence surpassed expectations.
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| The view of the Karawanks mountain range between Austria and Slovenia |
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| The view east towards Arriach from the castle |
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| The 'pitch' in mid-summer. Photo courtesy of Burg Landskron - Adler Arena |
The raptor demonstrator started with a raven that circled the stadium many, many times - which got fed a
mouse on finally landing on the glove. A little common kestrel was next, racing between the two demonstrators' gloves from one side of the arena to the other being enticed with
bits of meat. The Sakar Falcon which swiftly flew at
speed above us around the castle was lured in by some grouse feathers with some meat on
a long string on a stick - which was pulled away at the last minute as the falcon plummeted at vast speed for the kill. The Eurasian Eagle owl (3kg) with its spectacular yellow eyes and light plumage came from the north with its snowy conditions, was stately and may I say it, "Wise"!
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| 'Max' the raven - could be a beautiful drawing? |
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| Sakar Falcon - falcons being my focus for drawing for the falconry |
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| Eurasian Eagle Owl |
The Golden Eagle or Steinadler as it is known here was a mere spek in the sky. The handler walked across the grass arena and pulled this piece of string - out from beneath a wooden box came the full skin of a red fox. He pulled this skin on the grass, whisking it this way to get the eagles attention... the next second.. wings folded in a vertical dive from the heavens. In split seconds (hence no photo). this large regal eagle was upon the not so 'Fantastic Mr Fox'! Wow!!
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| The incredible Golden Eagle |
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| Snowy Eagle Owls |
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| Ural Owl | |
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