On Thursday, April 14 Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) shared an update on the black eagles Makatsa and Mahlori who are nesting at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG).
According to BEPR, indications are that Makatsa may have laid her first egg as she has spent the last few days on the nest which is a good indication that she might be incubating.
Chairman of BEPR Gerald Draper confirmed to the Northsider that there is definitely an egg on the nest as the behaviour of the eagles indicates such.
“I was away for a few days and our BEPR monitors have reported that if we look at the time of the year and her behaviour, it certainly points to eggs laid. We will still need to look at and confirm footage from our new camera and info from other monitors’ reports to possibly pinpoint a likely date,” said Gerald.
On Wednesday, April 20 a photograph provided by David Whyte gave clear indication of the eagle’s behaviour as they were caught during a “change of shift” that took place in the morning.
Makatsa and Mahlori are sharing their incubating duties of the newly laid eggs and the incubation period is estimated at about 44 days.
“The community and eagle followers should stand by from about May 27 for the hatching of the first egg,” said Gerald.
Members of the public who would like to watch what Makatsa and Mahlori are up to can do so on the link https://www.africam.co.za/wildlife/stream/black-eagle-live.
