When airborne, paragliders are able to enjoy many things in addition to the actual thrill of taking to the skies. For instance, when safe to do so, paragliding enables you to admire the scenery and observe many things that are happening whether they are visibly taking place on the ground or in the air.
Of course, there is always wildlife to see including the likes of deer or perhaps a fox crossing a field as well as many species of birds. If you are lucky you will witness birds of prey such as a falcon or a buzzard. However, rarely will you ever get the opportunity to see an eagle because, of course, they are so rare.
Well, a paraglider in Turkey did happen to come across an eagle but it got rather too close for comfort. In fact, it got so close that evasive action was required on the part of the gentleman in question including having to make an emergency landing.
Ozgur Cicek, a Turkish paraglider, was enjoying paragliding in the Antalya Province in southwest Turkey and had a small video camera attached to his helmet so that he could film what was going on around him and no doubt some of the wonderful scenery. He was enjoying his paragliding expedition when the majestic eagle appeared in the sky above him.
That may sound fine as the opportunity to observe such a creature probably occurs infrequently. However, this particular eagle decided that it wanted to get up close to Mr Cicek and his paraglider. So much so that it actually attacked the paraglider on more than one occasion no doubt causing him a great deal of concern. The eagle obviously has extremely sharp talons and it caused damage to the parachute by tearing a couple of holes in the material.
The initial enjoyment and thrill of seeing such a bird of prey no doubt quickly disappeared and Mr Cicek had to take evasive action and make an emergency landing in a field. Fortunately, he was able to do this without any injury to himself.
So, if you happen to be paragliding up in the likes of Scotland where eagles can sometimes be seen do be careful!
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