Fish Eagle
With its distinctive plumage and evocative cry, the African fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is probably the most familiar bird of prey in Africa. Perched majestically on a high branch, the contrast between the white upper-body and tail (not obvious in this shot), the chestnut belly and the black wings is unmistakable.
Aside from fish, this efficient raptor will also take the young of water birds such as the lesser flamingo, and very occasionally will go for monkeys, crocodile hatchlings, frogs and insects.
I took dozens of shots of Fish Eagles in Kanana Nature Reserve before I was satisfied with this one, and a few others. My recycle bin is filled with rejected Fish Eagle shots.
Fish Eagle
With its distinctive plumage and evocative cry, the African fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is probably the most familiar bird of prey in Africa. Perched majestically on a high branch, the contrast between the white upper-body and tail (not obvious in this shot), the chestnut belly and the black wings is unmistakable.
Aside from fish, this efficient raptor will also take the young of water birds such as the lesser flamingo, and very occasionally will go for monkeys, crocodile hatchlings, frogs and insects.
I took dozens of shots of Fish Eagles in Kanana Nature Reserve before I was satisfied with this one, and a few others. My recycle bin is filled with rejected Fish Eagle shots.