Feathered Friends

: 

The bald eagle is Canada’s largest bird of prey and is unique to North America.

Energy-conservers, "baldies" like to ride thermal currents of air, and like us, are often seen soaring high above the ground.

: 

The Glaucous-winged Gull is the most numerous and commonly seen gull on Vancouver Island. Expert ridge-soaring birds, gulls are content to fly with Paragliders along ocean bluffs as well as thermal up together high over populated areas.

: 

With its barb-like, reversible outer talons, closable nostrils, and diving technique, it is no surprise that the Osprey is also known as the Fish Eagle. It is also the official bird of Nova Scotia, Canada!

: 

The fastest animal on earth, the Peregrine Falcon can reach diving (‘swooping’) speeds of over 500kph! Odds are good that if you see one, it won’t be for long!

: 

The Common Raven is a favourite for many pilots and bird enthusiasts, because of its agility in flight, intelligence, and wide vocal range. The chief prank player of birds, ravens can often be seen trying to trick pets, and fellow birds, out of their food. In Canada, the Yukon Territory has adopted the Common Raven as its official bird.

: 

The red-tailed hawk is the source of an often-used cinematic sound. Just think of a lonely, foreboding wilderness scene during a movie, and odds are good that the high pitched, echoing call of a red-tailed hawk will fill the air! Anyone can see them perched high on the top of a tree, or highway telephone pole, from where their red tail feathers are difficult to see, but here on Vancouver Island, we often fly above the hawks where their bright tails are easy to spot.

: 

The Turkey Vulture may have a face that only a mother could love, but it is truly beautiful at soaring, and, as such, is an admired bird among Paraglider pilots. They can gracefully and effortlessly stay aloft for hours, and their 6 foot (1.8-meter) wingspan nearly equals that of the bald eagle.