Several years ago, I was present for the release of some rehabilitated birds of prey back into the wild.  It was a thrilling event and I took some very up close pictures of wild things.  This image of a Red-tailed Hawk is one of my all-time favorites. 

The birds were released at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Arkansas.  It was just by chance that we happened to be there.  I don’t remember the organization that provided the care and rehabilitation.  Most organizations that do such work are staffed by volunteers with any financial support coming  primarily from donations. 

 When my wife read about a bird of prey release scheduled for our local area, I could hardly wait to confirm our reservations.  It was taking place in conjunction with a weekend cruise on our local lake.  The Vanishing Texas River Cruise is something we had talked about but never quite got around to doing. 

Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit organization based in San Antonio, Texas that receives, rehabilitates and releases back into the wild hundreds of sick, injured and orphaned raptors annually.  On Sunday, November 16, 2008, the conservancy joined with Vanishing Texas River Cruises to release two hawks and an owl over Lake Buchanan.  The joint venture was a great success for the cruise and for the conservancy.  And, it was the answer to a photographer’s dream.  It was very exciting to be so close to these wild and beautiful critters.

This Great Horned Owl is being very carefully handled as it is brought above deck for release in the Silver Creek area of Lake Buchanan.  These animals are wild and very frightened by the commotion around them.  They will strike out at what they perceive is danger.  It is essential that photographers and children keep their distance. 

It is quite easy, however, to get great closeups with a short telephoto lens or the zoom on a point-and-shoot compact.  With so many excited people crowded around these frightened animals, a longer lens and a lower angle are necessary to give the appearance of birds in the wild.  Since the release takes place on the upper deck, a fast shutter speed is not a problem and the sky is the perfect background.

In addition to the three birds being released, the workers from the conservancy displayed several birds that for any of several reasons could not be released.  My personal favorite was this beautiful Barbary Falcon.  i have always been fascinated by falcons and falconry.  It is hard to believe that such delicate beauty surrounds a fierce killing machine.  I was disappointed that it was not to be released.  I don’t recall the reason. 

The big thrill was an American Bald Eagle that had been shot and lost a part of its wing.  Though the eagle has lived in the conservancy’s large flight aviary for more than five years it is anything but tame.   It was saved for last and was not allowed in close proximity of the passengers.  The handler moved to a place on the docking pier that allowed her to keep the eagle away from the too curious and less cautious.  I’m sure the eagle appreciated that consideration.

in addition to the birds being displayed by Last Chance Forever, the folks from Vanishing Texas River Cruise kept a running commentary on what we were seeing with a quite interesting history of Lake Buchanan and a few yarns spun around a few colorful characters. 

Though the release of rehabilitated birds was a special treat, the river cruises are scheduled on a regular basis.  They often see eagles over the lake and have experts on board to point out and identify wildlife around the lake.  We were fortunate on our cruise, seeing a pair of bald eagles building a nest in a dead tree over the lake.  It was a very pleasant day.  It is wonderful way to spend a weekend  relaxing.  in addition to the cruises, cabins and lodging are available at Canyon of the Eagles Resort.

The next release in conjunction with the Vanishing Texas River Cruise is tentatively scheduled for the third weekend in December.  For more information and cruise schedule contact Vanishing Texas River Cruises - at Canyon of the Eagles at 1-512-756-6986 or 1-800-474-8374.  Their website is http://www.vtrc.com/   Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy maintains a website at http://www.lastchanceforever.org/

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