The bold, beautiful, fierce and majestic can be found at a unique bird show.

There's simply something extremely magical about watching a wedge tail eagle streak past you at eye level with its wings outstretched before making a graceful landing for a tasty morsel.

You won't see it every day. Indeed some people will never see it in their lifetime.

For me, it will remain one of the most magical experiences of my life.

No cages, no strings attached just Birds of Prey operator Mark Culleton releasing the beautifully big "Stella" to take advantage of the gentle breeze in his unique free flight bird show at Atherton.

From seeing an eagle at eye level to sitting down in the shade on the large gum logs, this is certainly a unique Australian experience.

For a boy from the country, just kicking back in a big open paddock and breathing the fresh air was relaxing enough, but it only steels you for the exhilaration of watching Australia's unique birds of prey free-flying their way around your seating position in what truly is a "must do" for tourists and Tropical North Queensland residents alike.

Mark has a wealth of experience in free flight bird shows and his passion and care for his beautiful animals comes across with his enthusiastic and informative delivery of each animal's story, its role in the environment and its ability to adapt and survive.

His patience is even more evident as he spends his preparation time keeping the mischievous Splash (a whistling kite) on the straight and narrow as the little wonder keeps the kids entertained with its comedic curiosity and relentless search of Mark's bag of goodies.

The one-hour show includes six demonstrations of Australian Birds of Prey that could include a barn owl, lesser sooty owl, peregrine falcon, brown falcon, cockatoo, black-shouldered kite, magpie and on our lucky day, the chance to get up close and personal with "Macca" the quoll - all of which are animals native to Tropical North Queensland.

You could even find yourself meeting "Bob" the baby crocodile, or "Page" the python.

The delivery of the show also makes the experience all the more enjoyable. You won't find yourself behind a fence at the top of a grandstand.

Mark's talks take a conversational-style approach without the use of microphones or light shows.

He simply brings the birds up close and personal before allowing them to do as they please, whether it be a quick circuit, setting course for a tree branch or just bouncing around the ground in search of a nibble.

You can't help but feel completely satisfied about this very personal experience - especially when a wedge tail eagle spreads its wings in front of you exposing a wingspan that leaves you in awe.

But if you want more, Mark also provides half-hour walks with just you and a magnificent bird of prey where you can handle the bird and even fly it yourself as he explains the natural behaviours that make up the daily lives of birds of Tropical North Queensland.

At the conclusion of the show Mark is only too keen to help add to the experience with a number of souvenirs and mementos including the opportunity to have your picture taken with one of the stars of the show, at an additional small cost.

This is certainly a very affordable and relaxing day out. The experience is unforgettable and you will find yourself making the trip back from the Highlands keeping your eye out at all times to catch a glimpse of the beautiful birds that you just spent an hour watching in pure amazement.

INFORMATION
WHERE: The Atherton Birds of Prey show is presented at the historical Atherton Chinatown.
COST: Adults $13, children (4-15) $6.50, family (2 adults, 2 children) $34, concession $10.
WHEN: Wednesday to Sunday 11am and 2pm.
BRING: Hat, umbrella, sunscreen and camera.
CONTACT: Mark Culleton 0428 316 896 (mobile) or visit www.birdsofprey.com.au

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