KNYSNA NEWS - After reading the front page article in the previous edition of The Knysna-Plett Herald, Sarah and Johan van Coller from Wittedrift ensured the safe return of Eagle Encounters’ lost Jackal Buzzard, Black Jax.
Eagle Encounters had requested help in finding their Jackal Buzzard, after she had been swept away during a flying display, in the strong gusty winds that blew on Monday, October 4.

Janet Forrest of Eagle Encounters said that the local community’s response to their request for help was wonderful and that they were called to various places where Black Jax had been seen previously.
"Four long days later we received a call from The Knysna-Plett Herald’s office to say that the Van Collers had found her. She had ended up on a smallholding in Wittedrift and was recognised from the photograph that was on the front page of the newspaper," said Forrest.

Sarah van Coller explained how her gardener, affectionately known as ‘Boontjie’, called her to have a look at a large bird that was sitting on the roof of their home, watching her newly hatched chicks. "The birds of prey are always after the chicks, so we have covered their coop," explained Sarah. She was amazed to see the bird fly down and land at her feet the moment she stepped outside. "That is when I realised that this must be the bird that Johan (her husband) had read about."
She told how she asked the gardener to follow the bird while she phoned The Knysna-Plett Herald.
"When we drove onto the Van Collers’ farm and Dennis (Black Jax’s handler) saw the bird in the distance, he just knew it was her. The moment Jax saw him she soared straight down to him. I’m not to sure who was the happiest, Jax or Dennis," said Forrest.

Dennis Robson (erroneously referred to as Dennis Forrest in last weeks issue) explained that Jax was in good condition. "She may have lost a few grams but she looks fantastic. We are so grateful to have found her. She is used to people, and would not have flown away if somebody tried to hurt her. We are so happy to have her returned unharmed."

Some years ago this special bird, Black Jax, was discovered by Cape Nature where she was being kept illegally in a cage. She was in poor condition and her flight ability was a fraction of that of a wild bird due to the fact that she was never allowed to fly.
"She is a hand-raised bird and is classified as a ‘human imprinted’. A human imprinted bird is a bird raised by hand, that has taken identity (imprint) from the human parent. Human imprinted birds are not suitable for release into the wild," explained Forrest.

Black Jax has been in Robson’s care for the past four years, and since the opening of Eagle Encounters in December 2008 she has been an invaluable ambassador for birds of prey. She and other non-releasable birds at the centre do not only create awareness through educating and entertaining guests, but play a vital role through eco-tourism in funding the rehabilitation centre.

In the past month, Eagle Encounters have been fortunate to release a Black Shouldered Kite, Black Sparrow Hawk, Wood Owl and an African Goshawk.
"Our sincere thanks go to everyone who spent the week searching and who helped facilitate this happy ending. We live in an amazing place, still fortunate to have genuine community spirit," concluded Forrest.

Article: Fran Kirsten