While the Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) continues monitoring the black eagles of Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, they have also noticed that the young Motsumi has been out of the area for some time.
According to BEPR Chairman, Gerald Draper, although they have witnessed some of the expected aggression from the adults Makatsa and Mahlori towards Motsumi, it was not as brutal as they have seen over the years towards other juveniles.
This lack of aggression is quite different to what the monitors saw when Emoyeni bred in the gardens before 2016.
“Motsumi has also been one of the most independent juveniles we have seen in years, and we are very confident of his abilities to survive,” said Gerald.
Motsumi was last seen on Tuesday 8 December and BEPR admit that they think that he had now left the area.
If the juvenile has really taken to the skies to embark on his own journey, then adults will go into a rest period and will only start refurbishing their nest for the 2021 breeding season in January going into February.
This amazing youngster gave all eagle followers such a wonderful show with all his antics as he was such a curios and skilful juvenile.
“BEPR is confident that Motsumi will have many successful hunts, find the perfect partner, and establish his own territory.
“BEPR would like to wish all the ‘Eagle Followers’ a happy and safe festive season, and thank everybody for their continued support over this difficult year,” concluded Gerald.