In which my love of corvids is indulged.

[fireun]

Yesterday I accompanied corvus_animus on a trip to the wilds around Syracuse NY to visit a friend and master falconer and his birds. It was just what the doctor ordered. Though, I have come to the conclusion that falconry is some manner of highly infectious disease.

I got to meet Gizmo, a spectacled owl. I have great love for this bird. He liked to rest his beak on my hand like that while I rubbed his head. If I stopped he would stretch up and start a throaty 'hooohoo'.


Alex was my other buddy, a raven and a rather spectacular one at that. His best friend in the world happens to be a spaniel.


Full set of images containing ravens, owl, hawks, and falcons can be found here!

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

They are magnificent.
We have a raptor sanctuary fairly near us: their star is a little tawny owl who was injured on the road and can no longer fly. He's got the free run of the place, as a result, and hops about bossing visitors.

[fireun.livejournal.com]

Owls are wonderful creatures. I have never had the pleasure of handling one before yesterday. Their feet are fascinating!

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

I've never seen an owl's foot close-up. I must remember to peer.

[fireun.livejournal.com]

There was a lot of feathering- far more than I had anticipated.

[icedrake.livejournal.com]

Owls are awesome! In fact, I give you some internet owls to brighten the day.


And


(all to take my mind off the tiny, very dead, screech owl I found in the garden a couple of weeks ago. ):

[icedrake.livejournal.com]

Sorry, must include one more. Too adorable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajc6xr6mNeY

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Oh, how lovely! May I share your photo album with a friend who is also into birds? I know she'd appreciate it.

[fireun.livejournal.com]

Most definitely! I should have some video of the raven Alex playing with the spaniel up later as well :)

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I know she'll appreciate it.

And yay for vids!

[a-feather.livejournal.com]

Ugh, I love the picture of the owl resting his beak on your finger- he's a stunning guy!

[fireun.livejournal.com]

He was very feline in his mannerisms, which amused me as his trainer said he really dislikes cats :D He would rest his beak like that while I rubbed all around his head and he would lean into it. If I stopped I got The Glare and some beautiful vocalizations.

[havocmangawip.livejournal.com]

AMAZING!!!!!!

[fireun.livejournal.com]

It was seriously incredible.

[libwitch.livejournal.com]

Note to self: Owls are probably not the best indoor pets. Especially when you own ferts.

[fireun.livejournal.com]

I had to keep telling myself that...