lirralirra

Such strength, such an intelligent and determined look – eagles definitely rock.

I found myself mesmerised by this shot. The sheer magnificence of this massive bird. The look in its eye, its incredible hooked bill, complete with hanging dew drop, and the rich, reddish brown feathers that show it’s a young or youngish Wedge-tailed Eagle. Their feathers get progressively darker during their first ten years. They are believed to live for up to forty years. Rabbits and carrion form most of their diet. Their 2.3m wingspan means it can take them a while to get airborne from roadkill – so, if it’s safe to do so, it’s good to drag roadkill several metres from passing traffic. It’s definitely not always pleasant but it can save the lives of many eagles as they feed or wait their turn.

Wedge-tailed Eagles are Australia’s largest raptors; females are slightly paler and slightly larger than males. They mate for life and create (and reuse) remarkable stick nests that measure 1.8m across and 3m deep though the ‘cup’ in the top is shallower. Quite a few people could share a cuppa in a nest that size (as long as we’re not in lockdown and we have a very long ladder).

With this landing shot I love the close up details of the eagle’s tail and underwing feathers, and of its fully feathered legs, and look at those crazily strong feet and talons. I’m wondering which of these images is best, the colour or the monochrome.

An artist friend contacted me this week about working on a Wedge-tailed Eagle picture. There would be something quite remarkable about drawing or painting every detail of a bird.

Happy birding, stay safe, Kim

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