Elusive eagle chick makes grand appearance
Finally, a clear look at the latest addition to the famous black eagle family of Roodekrans.
The first clear photographs of the elusive black eagle chick at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden have emerged from the lens of local monitor, Mohammed Jinnah.
Many other photographers have had the opportunity to photograph the newly hatched youngster, but these photos have been nearly indiscernible, barely more than a bundle of fluff.
Jinnah, who recently returned from a trip to the Kruger National Park, decided on a whim to visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden upon his return home, when he got lucky and managed to snap clear photos of the young eagle in the nest.
According to Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) committee member Dougie Crewe, the young eagle is becoming bolder by the day, venturing out into the open more frequently, especially when anticipating one of its parents returning to the nest to feed it.
“The chick seems to be doing well,” says Crewe. “The adult eagles are attentive and are regularly bringing prey to the nest for the youngster to feed on.”
There was some contention as to who managed to get the first photographs of the chick, but with the emergence of clear photos and more regular sightings of the chick, this has passed and everyone is now scrambling to get the best photo.
The BEPR encourages the public to visit the botanical garden and stop by the monitors that are on duty every Tuesday and Saturday.
“Who knows, you might catch a glimpse of the chick. If not, visiting the gardens is the perfect way to enjoy a family day in the outdoors,” concludes Crewe.
