Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2010/06/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The California Foundation for Birds of Prey held an Open House today, where several non-releasable birds were on display. Among them was Cleopatra, a young female Golden Eagle who was found shortly after leaving the nest near death by a Sacramento-area rancher. Cleopatra had contracted West Nile virus (thus the name) and though she is now fully capable of flight, the virus apparently led to neurological damage which prevents her form seeing clearly at close distances. http://wildlightphoto.com/temp/L1390769.jpg Unusual for a raptor, Cleopatra has bonded with her handler and even appears to enjoy his company. One of the foundation's goals is to train the bird to accept other handlers because she is expected to live 50 years or so, and will out-live her handler. Technical stuff: R8/DMR, 280mm f/4 APO, shoulder stock & monopod. Leica-related notes: the open house was well-attended and at least two visitors recognized the camera. Two also noted the shoulders stock/monopod rig and its highly desirable combination of stability and mobility. The California Foundation for Birds of Prey's website is http://www.cafbp.com/ All comments welcome. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com