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the eyes pierce my soul
as I try to look away
it feasts on my vulnerability
as it flies away

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This is the last of the Birds of Prey series that I took. These birds really left an impression on me; I really cannot imagine a world without them. Even though they are vicious predators, and they eat what we usually consider as "cute" (baby) animals, a world without them would really be a sad one.

The rehab centre where we had the opportunity to take these up close photographs, are really doing incredible and amazing work. It was an experience that I have never had before.

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As a photographer, the moment was even better, as I could really get close to these birds, something that you will never see in the wild. For one, these birds will probably fly away if you try to get this close to them, or they will seriously harm you or your gear. But in the setting here, so close, you can look at them without the fear of getting hurt, or losing gear.

This is not just an opportunity to look, to take photographs, to experience them this close, this is also the opportunity to learn, and appreciate just how magical these birds and animals are. It is similar to the first hand experience of an elephant or giraffe. On photographs they look great and all, but when you experience them first hand, they break the categories you had in your mind: these animals are massive. I am obviously not saying that this eagle is as big as an elephant or giraffe. But you really do not understand the size of these birds until it snatches some food that lies at your feet only a meter or two away...

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As I post this last series of photographs, and as I edited the last couple of these photographs, it is almost yet another sad moment, a chapter closed, photographs buried under all the others in the graveyard; moments forgotten. But they will for the moment live in my mind, always flying, always catching that piece of food so close to me...

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Postscriptum, or Goodbye for Now

In a world where everything is fast food, effective, and summarised, it strikes one as odd to sit and relax, to appreciate the beauty of something bigger than you, something that can do some serious harm to you. I sat in my chair, looking at this Bateleur Eagle running around, between my feet like it was a puppy or a dog. In that moment, my world did not consist of fast food, effective communication, or anything related to our capitalist world. In that moment, I just experienced the majestic nature of this animal, this bird.

I hope that this series of photographs also allowed you to just experience its magic, even if it was through my camera and photographs.

Happy photography, and keep well.

All of the photographs are my own, taken with my Nikon D300 and Tamron 300mm zoom lens. The musings and writings are also my own, albeit inspired by the magic of this bird.