Raptor Domain on Kangaroo Island: Ron is amazed at this nature sanctuary in the Kangaroo Island region of South Australia
At Raptor Domain, a bird sanctuary at Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island you get to see raptors like Jedda, a female wedgetail eagle up close.
Raptor Domain, handler Dave Irwin nursed Jedda back to health after it fell from its nest as a chick. Jedda's story is typical of many of the raptors here and the powerful bond between bird and handler is obvious. In fact, Jedda's prone to bare her talons when Dave's partner Lisa comes to view.
While Dave dangles 'Legless' - his rabbit skin lure, as an enticement for his errant eagle, the crowd waits as nature takes its course. In the meantime, Dave recounts the tortured history of the wedgies battle for survival.
Dave Irwin, Raptor Domain: "Queensland alone paid out ten thousand bounties on eagle feet - that is you cut the feet off a dead eagle which was shot and you took them to a government office or a police station and you were paid about fifty cents or equivalent. Queensland alone paid out about ten thousand bounties in one year alone. That's ten thousand dead eagles at least. That's only if the bounty was recouped. In Western Australia in a ten year period they paid out one hundred and fifty thousand bounties on eagle feet - because they were seen as lamb killers."
But today Jedda's one of the stars of Raptor Domain's daily display and on cue she drops into belatedly pick up her reward.
Dave Irwin, Raptor Domain: "An eagle has amazing strength. They reckon a large eagle like this can exert about two tonne per square inch on her talons which is amazing strength indeed."
Strength is one thing but the aerial supremacy of many raptors like "Chips" the kestrel - makes this bird a master hunter. While hovering like this, the kestrel remains unseen to mice and other potential prey below.
Dave Irwin, Raptor Domain: "The birds can see all these lit up track ways in the grass and of course they'll hang over a track way that's most used - like a mouse freeway - and when a mouse pops out of a hole they'll dive straight onto it."
Their aerial control is extraordinary and so too is the speed that a peregrine falcon can achieve when zeroing in on its prey. Recently one in the US was clocked at extraordinary speed.
Dave: "They knew they were quick, this bird was doing 396 kilometres an hour. That is amazing speed for any animal."
For close-up encounters with these masters of the sky, head to Raptor Domain at Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island. For bookings contact 8559 4232 or you can join a SeaLink tour of the island by contacting 13 13 01. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Raptor Domain
Vivonne Bay
Kangaroo Island
Look for signs near Vivonne Bay Store
Bookings: 8559 4232 Or Sealink on 13 13 01Published 31st May 2009
