If there is one thing I love more than being in the mountains, it is being in the mountains with raptors.
What? I know!
Evon, Cindy and I were hosted by Sara in her beautiful new Showlow home and she treated us to a raptor show in the nearby town of Pine Top.
Flight Show
The White Mountain Nature Center has a brand new bird enclosure where rescue birds are housed, rehabbed and trained for a flight show.
The type of training is reward only, no scolding. There are lots of little mouse pieces doled out.
The hour-long show left us so happy we went.
It began with the antics of Speedy the red tail hawk. Especially amazing was the example of how hawks are able to catch, kill and eat rattle snakes.
Their talons, within mere seconds, grasp the snakes head and immobilize it. Of course, this was a fake snake on a string.
We next were treated to Garfunkel the Eurasian Eagle Owl. His wingspan is over 6′!
He is so smart and beautiful.
All the animals are so gorgeous and captivating. We watched a clever crow do many activities that keep it entertained all day. A falcon named Speedy was especially handsome and showed us his speed (hence his name) and agility.
These animals are amazing and it is so nice to see them well cared for and loved.
The tickets are $5 and the line forms early, so if you’re able to catch this show, make sure you plan ahead because it sells out and it’s worth it!
My pictures and write up probably don’t do this experience justice, but trust me on this one.
Showlow
I’ve posted before about the town of Showlow and how much we love visiting there. Every trip is a joy and Sara and Kevin are wonderful hosts.
When Cindy, Evon and I arrived, we were surprised by a little rainstorm. We sat on Sara’s deck and just enjoyed the cool moist air.
And very soon after the rain stopped, we looked up to see a herd of deer in the yard.
Can you see them through the trees?
Wrap Up
Hitting the Arizona high country and enjoying the White Mountains is such a summer highlight. The weather is hot during the days and cool at nights. Perfect, right?
Taking a walk can make you a little breathless, so you know you’re at altitude.
We had such a great time enjoying each other’s company and the perfect pace each day.
But for sure, the raptors were the highlight.
As always, God bless you and yours and today I’m especially thankful for these wonderful friends who shared my trip to Showlow.