Martial eagle with prey, Botswana

[Udall1973]

Martial eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus, the largest bird of prey in Africa. Preys on small antelope, monkeys, birds, using it's powerful long legs and 7' wingspan. It's all business. Shots taken with Sony a1 200-600mm G OSS ISO (auto) 400-500 1600sec f/8 580mm handheld.

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[DanG]

Appears to have tremendous hand dexterity. All business is an understatement.

Love the shots, thanks for sharing.

 

[NorthernFocus]

That's a wicked looking bird. Nice captures.

 

[Udall1973]

Appears to have tremendous hand dexterity. All business is an understatement.

Love the shots, thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Dan. Much appreciated. Regards, Andrew

 

[Udall1973]

That's a wicked looking bird. Nice captures.

Thanks so much! Regards, Andrew

 

[DripDryMcFleye]

Oh man!! The eyes, the eyes have it!!

 

[Oosty]

Great images - there's a video of a Martial taking out a youg warthog and walking it across a road - amazing birds!

 

[Udall1973]

Oh man!! The eyes, the eyes have it!!

Thanks, this bird means business. Regards, Andrew

 

[Udall1973]

Great images - there's a video of a Martial taking out a youg warthog and walking it across a road - amazing birds!

Thanks, This raptor puts the "A" in Apex! Regards, Andrew

 

[Oosty]

Andrew, I'm sure you'll enjoy this series of mating Martial Eagles captured by my friend, John Bryant. He is a very accomplished photographer and these are epic.

Mating Martial Eagles | JB Nature Photography

 

[Udall1973]

Andrew, I'm sure you'll enjoy this series of mating Martial Eagles captured by my friend, John Bryant. He is a very accomplished photographer and these are epic.

Mating Martial Eagles | JB Nature Photography

Awesome series, thank you for suggesting. What a tremendous subject for us nature photographers and this raptor was one of the reasons I went to Botswana.

Regards, Andrew

 

[Bigmo]

Great photos

 

[MorganP]

Nice job.

 

[Carlito FE2]

Striking. Really powerful raptor, very nice captures. Very malevolent!

Thanks for sharing

Karl

 

[Udall1973]

Great photos

Thanks!

 

[Udall1973]

Nice job.

Thanks, Morgan

 

[Udall1973]

Striking. Really powerful raptor, very nice captures. Very malevolent!

Thanks for sharing

Karl

Thank you! Much appreciated. Regards, Andrew

 

[ssheipel]

Great shots. That's some bird! Looks like he's got a 34 inch inseam; wow that's a long leg!

 

[Udall1973]

Great shots. That's some bird! Looks like he's got a 34 inch inseam; wow that's a long leg!

thanks, yes, rather intimidating don't you think. He steals baby antelope, wart hogs, Ostrich chicks, he's a beast of a raptor.

 

[ssheipel]

thanks, yes, rather intimidating don't you think. He steals baby antelope, wart hogs, Ostrich chicks, he's a beast of a raptor.

With that look I'd expect his prey to just lay down, give up and wait for him Again, great captures of a magnificent bird!

 

[SonoranDesert]

awesome...Awesome...AWESOME...A W E S O M E !

 

[marc]

Excellent perspective Udal, looks like this is a de-feathered Guinea Fowl, (I have many similar in my files), will post one here later, these guys are my favourite African raptor.

Have seen them take baby Warthog, Egyptian Geese, Guinea Fowl (their favourite/preferred) and Impala babies!

 

[Udall1973]

awesome...Awesome...AWESOME...A W E S O M E !

Thanks for your kind words

 

[Udall1973]

Excellent perspective Udal, looks like this is a de-feathered Guinea Fowl, (I have many similar in my files), will post one here later, these guys are my favourite African raptor.

Have seen them take baby Warthog, Egyptian Geese, Guinea Fowl (their favourite/preferred) and Impala babies!

Spot on. Frankolin according to my guide. He ate it like a light snack. Awesome experience, one of the highlights of my trip to Botswana! Are you from SA? What a rush to see the incredible wildlife!

Regards, Andrew

 

[trapper12]

What an amazing bird never seen one before,great capture wonderful shots