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<\/p>\nOccasionally when I’ve seen a new and exceptionally interesting documentary about birds in particular or nature in general I recommend it here. Three days ago NOVA aired a new one on PBS entitled “Eagle Power” and it fits those parameters.<\/p>\n
Many readers have likely already seen the photos below but for today’s post they’re only secondary to my attempt to encourage folks to watch this new and uncommonly good documentary. I typically don’t suggest that some of my favorite photos should take a back seat to much of anything but for “Eagle Power” I’ll make an exception.<\/p>\n
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In this instance NOVA producers attempt to answer the question “What makes eagles so special?” and even though they briefly discuss many of the world’s eagle species they focus on two of them – Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles like this one. We’re introduced to “Tilly” a very special Golden Eagle and her handler who have a unique and incredibly trusting bond.<\/p>\n
Tilly demonstrates her exceptional strength, eyesight, and flying skills for the viewer in jaw-dropping ways. If I know my blog followers many of you will be like me and you’ll ache to have a bond of your own with such a magnificent bird.<\/p>\n
Not a good idea for most of us of course, but still…<\/p>\n
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With intimate access to a nesting pair of Bald Eagles we witness the struggles of their chicks to survive. Living in the Intermountain West as I do where blood-sucking black flies aren’t a problem I had no idea they could be such a threat to nesting birds.<\/p>\n
Of course another problem faced by the adult eagles is finding enough food for their growing chicks who can increase their weight by a staggering 500% in their first week after hatching. That food is typically fish and we witness the truly impressive fishing skills of adult Bald Eagles.<\/p>\n
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Eagles, almost by definition, fight. Regularly and often viciously. So Nova demonstrates the exceptional strength in their talons necessary for surviving serious skirmishes like this one and for killing and handling prey that can often weigh significantly more than they do.<\/p>\n
The demonstration of the ratchet-locking mechanism in their talons is the best I’ve ever seen. After watching it you’ll understand why bird rehabbers and others who handle eagles and are “taloned” by their avian patients simply have to wait until the eagle chooses to let go. Other strategies in that situation are usually useless and can potentially cause more harm to both eagle and victim than is necessary.<\/p>\n
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When it comes to nature documentaries I’m not easily impressed. To be honest I’m more of a fan of older docs than many new ones because of their tendency for sensationalism, unnecessary manipulation and hyper-dramatic narration (all of which I think insultingly underestimate the viewer.)<\/p>\n
But in my estimation Nova has done an impressive job on “Eagle Power”. It’s more than worth your time to watch it and I hope you will. If you choose to watch it online as I typically do here’s the link<\/a><\/span><\/span> (link should work until 6\/17\/20).<\/p>\n Otherwise it can be found on your local PBS station.<\/p>\n Ron<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A mini-review.<\/p>\n