EAGLES

If you visit the pages below you will see some amazing photos of an eagle diving after a TOKO. This is not the first time we have witnessed this type of event but I wish to add a perspective to this that we should all consider.
The airspace around the slopes is the domain of raptors and they view our gliders as competitors in their territory. Adult birds will fly with and investigate these strangers sometimes formatting with a glider for long periods before moving off.
In this case a Juvinile Marshall Eagle (I am told by Evan) decided to actively attack the aircraft, probably with the intention of scaring them away. When they continued to fly around, this bird became more determined ending in physical contact. (see a picture of the glider)
What we need to be aware of is that eagle do not know the gliders are sometimes made of hard materials (carbon fibre, fiberglass etc) and have sharp edges. In a contact situation the bird may become injured, but fortunately, in this case the eagle flew off and it appeared okay.
Many of our raptors are endangered species and appear in the Red-Data book. It is a privilage to see and fly with them, but ultimately we are visitors in their space and we should respect that and try and avoid contact with these birds at all costs.

The above is the view of the B.E.R.G. committee.