Wedge-tailed Eagle

[Ralph]

Wifes side of the family are running a wildlife rescue and sanctuary in South Australia and we left home at 5 am and got back home at 11.20 pm.
Made for a long day but got to see so many birds which yes are in cages but the 1st line is why they are there.
Even some are handed to them as the old owners are no longer able to keep a particular bird.
I took many shots and 99% were through the wire.

Before it is said I did give that getting rid of the wire. But I got lost and had no idea what I was doing even though I tried to follow directions.
So they are as shot.

1 I think this is the biggest one they had there.

2 A slightly closer up shot of it.

3 a different bird in a different enclosure.

4 this for me is the best shot.

[Isac]

All lovely shots Ralph. What an amazing bird. Very good colours and as usual very sharp showing great details. The fence wire is not a problem for me at all.

[Ralph]

Thank you Isac, I just thought I would say about the wire so it wasn't so much of a focus.
But Sadly these are rescue birds and at that I am pleased that they are still alive and being well looked after.
The last shot is the one we nicknamed One Wing and that still gets about the enclosure quite well but would never be able to hunt.
So it is in a great place to live out its live as the people really do love them.

[wigz]

They are magnificent birds Ralph, and your shots are very nice. I prefer the first without the visible wire, but all are nice and sharp with good colour.

[Ralph]

Thanks so much Alan. I got many shots on the half day that we had left before the 5.5 hour drive home.
So I did try to pick the better ones with the least amount of wire but this is a case of them being where they are and trying to get the lens on the outside wire and get the focus right. Soon other ones will be posted with more wire but I can't do a thing about that part of it.

[Grumpy John]

A really great set of images there Ralph. Yes the wire is a PITA, but you're probably never going to get a chance at shots like these of a wedgie in the wild. I have followed a very good tutorial on removing cyclone wire in this situation, it is a pretty long and laborious process, but can give very good results.

[Ralph]

I had this actual one running to try to get rid of the wire.
As I have said to Isac as soon as it get a little and I mean a little technical I am buggered.
I tried to follow it but I am bloody hopeless at following instructions. And yes I watched a little when to my shots done what was said and I still stuffed it up.
I am just no good at doing this. And is the reason why I can look at photo's for what they are.
So now I gave it a real go I will not try it again. I personally can put up with the wire so the wire will stay.
yep I understand many here don't like it that way but this is my way and my only way I can do it.
So I am sorry but it just has to go this way.
I have never been any good at following instructions and as I have got older it has got even harder.

[Grumpy John]

No need to apologise Ralph, Photoshop can be very daunting at times, the main thing is that you are happy with your images

[Ralph]

Well mate I think it is better to explain the reason so it is known and that I am not skimping out on things.
So I might as well tell the truth and it is better this way. So like in the future everyone will remember(well maybe)
So it's better for you all to know the truth. I am not dumb I am just unable to follow things like this.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Ralph

A few yrs ago I had some dealings with a similar operation up on the Atherton Tablelands - gave them $50 for a morning's access to both inside and outside of the enclosures
Your pics are pretty good - esp knowing what it is to fight with the wires -- with #2 being a beautie!

Phil

[Ralph]

Thank you so very much for that Phil, as you have hit the nail on the head. We had a great day there and are looking forward to going back for a few more days next time.
And then I will do the same and get inside of the cages and enclosures. As that will be far better.