@birdsofprey_nathalie: 🦅 “Watch out!🫪He’ll take your eye out with that beak!” Something I hear quite often when people see me working with Oropherion, my male Martial Eagle💙 But here’s something you might not know… Although Oropherion’s beak looks incredibly intimidating, it is not the part of him I need to be most aware of. His beak is primarily used for tearing food apart, while his feet & powerful talons are his main hunting weapons. Raptors use their feet & talons to catch, grip & subdue their prey. And believe me, their talons you need to have the utmost respect for! 🦅 Speaking of feet, let’s talk about the leather anklets & jesses Oropherion wears. These are essential pieces of falconry equipment that allow me to hold him securely when he is on my glove, ensuring both his safety & mostly the safety of everyone around him. Oropherion is NEVER shackled, chained or tethered. He is free-lofted in his aviary, where he can move around freely without being restrained. His anklets & jesses are simply there to allow me to handle him safely when necessary. They are not a means of keeping him permanently restrained. Understanding the difference between responsible handling & restraint is so important when it comes to the welfare of birds of prey. #MartialEagle #Oropherion #BirdsOfPrey #RaptorWelfare #Falconry WildlifeEducation Eagle ResponsibleFalconry

Nathalie Denolf

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Region: DE

Sunday 20 September 2026 18:35:45 GMT