It was finally here... what ever "it" was.
It turned out to be one of the most spectacular experiences you can imagine! A bird release cruise.
70 plus people, consisting of families, bird lovers, philanthropists, a journalist, the staff from Last Chance Forever in San Antonio, and two red tailed hawks boarded the river cruiser.
See some amazing bird close ups on our You Tube Channel
After traveling up river watching herons fishing, terns on logs, pelicans watching a fishing boat, egrets flying and even a young colt suckling from her mother on the shore we reached release point one. The skipper turned the ship with tail end to a densely wooded shoreline and we all watched in anticipation as the juvenile Red Tailed Hawk was brought on top.
This young hawk was brought to the center with head injuries and a lame foot. After weeks of tender care by Doctor Hill he was now fit as a fiddle and ready to live free once more.
One lucky traveller was drawn to assist John from Last Chance to give the bird his final farewell boost as he left his hands and flew for the trees. The crowd cheered and stood in awe at what had just happened.
See some amazing bird close ups on our You Tube Channel
As we started for the second release point John shared stories and answered questions. Then it was time. The second Red Tailed Hawk was brought up and a young nine year old girl was the delighted pick to help John bid this beauty her final goodbye. This time the crowed cheered even more as the bird seemed to look back from her perch in the tree in thank you before she flew further into the trees.
What an adventure! I will forever be changed by the experience of looking directly into the eyes of these birds who seemed to know they where whisked away from deaths door by people who cared and now where free once more.
Look into their eyes on our You Tube Channel.
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