Last week Jo went south to collect her tweetie pie, Freja, a Harris Hawk. She was born in April (I think).
I have been dying to see her (Freja, not Jo) but we have been well-behaved and waited until we were officially asked as Jo and Freja have to become accustomed to each other. So, today, when I popped round with some visitors to meet the ponies, afterwards she offered to show Freja to me.
Holy crap on a cracker. What a bird. I was in awe and just sat on the ground clicking away with my camera for ages learning about a new animal with my breath blown away.
Look at Freja’s talons – they are incredible….
… and the back ones mean business too. Scary stuff.
Her feather are beautiful. Totally hypnotic and laid out perfectly. Nature is an incredible designer.
She even has a bell placed carefully above her tail feathers and between her wings.
They eyes – the hypnotic eyes are watching everything. So prehistoric.
Jo is already working hard at this all-important stage to develop a relationship with Freya. It was an education watching them together. This sport is something I know absolutely nothing about.
Anyway, for those who have forgotten what a Shetland pony looks like, here is one I saw today. She followed me round all afternoon, while I was taking some photos for a friend.
Personally, I think I prefer ponies to birds but that is just me. It is all that flapping – I’m not good with that but I am enjoying taking photos (I secretly can’t wait until she starts working).
Freya is absolutely stunning (good name!) – but I don’t want to kiss her nose the way I want to kiss a pony’s nose.
please excuse my ignorance..but what does one do with a Harris Hawk? It looks like it could eat the Minions for breakfast
Wild gorgeousity.
Not as cuddly as a pony but wow.
This is seriously awesome bird! One can toss out a lure and the bird will bring it back. That is the polite version of hawking.