unable to be released.

Individuals, vets, animal welfare and other organisations involved with wildlife and conservation bring birds of prey to the centre. Where possible, injured or confiscated birds are taken through a rehabilitation process and released - this is their main objective. Birds that can't be released are incorporated into their valuable education programmes and flying displays.

Says the local centre's Janet Forrest: "We are committed to educating our future generations by providing a personal and hands-on learning experience. We provide a platform for children from all walks of life to experience and understand birds of prey. With knowledge, every child has the ability to make a necessary contribution to the preservation of our wildlife."

"Our interactive flying displays provide visitors an opportunity to participate and photograph as we free-fly a variety of owls, kites, buzzards, hawks and falcons around and to you. These shows offer a unique and exciting opportunity for all ages to experience these magnificent birds of prey up close."

The centre offers a great place to relax, enjoy and learn from the variety of raptors currently housed, while The Heath is a great place for family fun, with its superb craft shop, unique furniture shop, licensed restaurant and outdoor activities for kids. Eagle Encounters is a non-profit organisation registered Section 21 company and funds are derived from entrance fees, donations and sponsorships. They are on call 24/7 to rescue birds of prey from all areas. They are open daily from 9am to 5pm with flying demonstrations at 2pm and 4pm, while personal interactive encounters are available all day.

Contact Janet for enquiries and bookings on +27 83 382 2417 or janet@eagle-encounters.co.za and phone Dennis with injured raptor info on +27 83 561 0973. Visit www.eagle-encounters.co.za for further information.

Lanner Falcon Above Garden Route Eagle Encounters

This little guy was VERY vocal. He was sitting in the sun while the background was in shade making for a striking image when converted to black and white in Photoshop.

Nikon D90 Nikon Nikon 80-400mm Lens Focal length 600mm f7.1 1/320th ISO 500 Pattern Metering No Flash

Martial Eagle Below Garden Route Eagle Encounters

Nikon D90 Nikon Nikon 80-400mm Lens Focal length 600mm ISO 320 Pattern Metering No Flash

Eagle Owl Above Garden Route Eagle Encounters

Nikon D90 Nikon 18-135 lens Focal length 93cm f 8 1/640th ISO 400 Pattern Metering No Flash

One of a trio of young eagle owls who ended up at the centre as a misguided well wisher mistakenly thought they had fallen from their nest, and picked them up, these birds nest on the ground. The 3 brothers are always curious and I think this one found his reflection in the lens very interesting. I cropped close to highlight their intense yellow eyes.

Female Martial Eagle, an illegal pet who had been confiscated and is now being cared for by Eagle Encounters Garden Route. New to the centre and not trusting of many people this shot was taken on a long lens as she is very powerful and quite unpredictable! Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122