lirralirra

Oh my goodness! I was totally thrilled this week to see a Wedge-tailed Eaglet taking its first steps out of the nest and exercising its wings ready for flight. I even captured a shot when it managed to lift itself a few inches above the branch.

I’m a long way from this eaglet, on a narrow track on the side of a gorge. Although the eagles’ nest is huge there are only a few metres of the bushy track where it can be seen, and then it would only be likely to notice it if an adult bird flew in or out as someone was passing. Unless you have a beaut friend who asks if you’d like to see them (thank you JB).

In the shot above the sun was shining, the ISO was very reasonable, and the eaglet had ventured out of the nest and was cleaning its talons.

A ‘branchling’ is a young bird that leaves the nest but is still unable to fly – the act of doing this is called ‘branching’. The bird’s parents will still be watchful and supplying food. The adult birds flew over a few times, high in the sky, and one adult flew nearby and watched, half-hidden, from the branches of a eucalypt.

It was an awesome sight when the eaglet started flapping its wings – such power.

This Wedge-tailed Eagle chick looked very confident as it strode a little further from the nest. It continued to vigorously flap its wings. I love the way this shot emphasises its body shape and its heavily feathered legs.

And we have lift off! It was brilliant to see that its wing muscles have developed enough strength for it to take off, just a little. It seemed to be concentrating hard to maintain control. I love the way its primaries are curved and the way its tail is spread.

It landed a short way along the branch, gripping tightly with its huge feet and using its wings to keep its balance, much the same way as we use our arms. The under and over wing patterns are shown in the shot above. The russet-brown colouring is a feature of young Wedge-tailed Eagles, they get gradually darker as they age.

For a moment it seemed as though it might fall but it spread its legs wide and leaned forward while controlling its balance with its wings and tail. Its right wing is also at full stretch which you’ll be able to see if you peer closely behind the leaves.

I captured these shots on Wednesday and I’m guessing that by now this bird would have followed its sibling and parents into the sky. One of nature’s many miracles.

Happy birding, Kim

~ Browse prints and gifts Lirralirra Shop
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group  Ethical Bird Photography