Raptor Rapture

rap·ture  -  1. the state of mind resulting from feelings of high emotion; joyous ecstasy

Joyous ecstasy are two words that perfectly capture my emotions on Sunday when I came face to face with two amazing birds of prey at ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA. 

This is Bliss the golden eagle. Many of the animals come to this zoo in need of rehabilitation. Bliss was infected with the west nile virus. He is better now and has become a wonderful ambassador for his species. 

He seemed to have a real bond with his handler. 

More photos on my Flickr set: ZooAmerica.

Osgood the barn owl. 

I was so excited to get this close to a barn owl. I am surprised these photos were in focus, I was shaking a little. 

Various other raptors at Hershey's ZooAmerica...

Okay, not a raptor, but I thought this 1.5 year old alligator was kind of cute.

Howls and Meowls

We headed to ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA for it's annual free community day this weekend.

This zoo only has animals that you would find in North American. It's the first time I have been here with my new camera (Canon Rebel T3i) and I was excited to get some good shots.

 I didn't think they would turn out this good!

Beautiful gray wolves looked perfect against the freshly fallen snow.

I shot this through a fence, still can't believe it. Looks like he's coming right for me!

Next is a bobcat. 

There were three of them napping and enjoying the winter weather their warm coats were made for.

This Canadian lynx was looking all around his enclosure for something. Maybe mice?

Look forward to the next post for some beautiful raptors!

Raptors, rivers and other things...

Zoo America in Hershey, PA is free this weekend and being a huge fan of all things free, we had to make the short trek to check out the animals indigenous to North America in the 19 degree weather.

They have a lot of raptors which are always fun to watch.

Red-tailed Hawk

Burrowing owl. Looks like I've surprised him!

One of my favorites, the barn owl.

I need to make a painting of this adorable little screech owl.

Lovely bobcats seemed very relaxed.

Beautiful bison digs the chilly temps.

Next we managed to access to the Susquehanna River in the small town of Bainbridge, PA.

We were down stream from Three Mile Island where the river was less frozen.

Something ominous about a nuclear power plant like TMI.

6 Raptors and 1 Skunk...

Last weekend we ventured out into the cold for Community Day (free) at Zoo America in Hershey, PA. It was one of the best experiences we've had there. They had a lot of animals out on display, especially the raptors which are my favorite there.

Here's an Eastern Screech Owl keeping an eye on me!


Red Tail Hawk has his feathers puffed up to keep him warm.


Wish I could have gotten a better pic of the Snowy Owl.


This little owl came in with an injured eye. Now she can't be released back into the wild.


Love the barn owls!


Isn't this Cooper's Hawk a beauty? I was so lucky to get that close!


At the zoo they're teaching their skunk to "paint" with target training. You can buy her "art" in the gift shop. This was Zoe's favorite part.

Hunkering down for a big winter storm today. One good thing about it is that I will have lots of time to paint and create! My Franny the Snow Witch has been marked down, if you're interested scroll down a few posts and read her story.