Eagle Heights

Posted: Sunday, June 28th, 2009 in All, Day's Out

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As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, I have wanted to visit Eagle Heights for a long time and Father’s Day was a great reason to finally go as my dad is a big fan of birds of prey too. Don’t be fooled by the shabby sign below, it is a great place!

The main enclosure for the birds is inside, but the light in there is pretty good (for those who don’t want to use flash) and cameras are welcome. There is a even a sign saying it is permitted, which is a refreshing change these days. They have a really good selection of Falcons and Hawks and even the odd vulture. Most are not behind cages, so you can really get up close and personal with them. There are VIP days on offer too, which allow even gerater access.

Below is the Ruppels Griffon which I don’t recall ever seeing before, so Eagle Heights gets a thumbs up for that alone.

Another first for me (in the flesh) was the Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States of America. It is one of the country’s most recognizable symbols, and appears on most of its official seals, including the Seal of the President of the United States. Obviously a beautiful bird to be respected, it is a shame that the Americans nearly hunted it to extinction, but I suppose we ought not to be shocked by that. One of the most enjoyable things about Eagle Heights is the flying display, done twice daily with different birds each time. The arena is nicely laid out and the talks are very informative, for both children and adults.

The Lanner Falcon (below) is an impressive sight, flying less than an inch above heads during the display. It is strongly suggested that you don’t flinch as the bird has already calculated its favoured path well before it gets to anyone’s head.

The Marabou Stork in flight is most impressive and has the look of some great pterodactyl marauding around the Kent countryside. They are not pretty birds.

One of the most impressive birds on display is ‘Tiny’ the Andean Condor. With a 10ft wingspan he is an imposing site, though he refused to fly for the crowds. He is probably still a little cautious after going missing in May for a few days when he landed in a field of 6 ft high corn and was unable to take off again.

They currently have one Cheetah at Eagle Heights and one Camel, though there is a fund raising campaign to find the Cheetah a mate.

I suspect in these hard economic times places such as Eagle Heights are struggling, so please go and visit and keep these great attractions open. A lot of the birds here are rare, so it is vital that the money keeps flowing in to help with conservation initiatives.

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