On Tuesday, August 16 the 84-day-old Verreaux’s eaglet did a bit of hopping and flapping as it prepares to take to the skies from the nest at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Poortview.

According to Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) monitors, it is not easy to judge how ready the youngster is for its maiden flight.

Also read: Makatsa and Mahlori’s chick is growing up fast

Monitor and photographer David Whyte told the News‘ sister publication, the Record, that usually when the chic is close to fledging, it ventures off the nest and clambers up and down the rocks.

When asked how soon the chick would be flying high in the sky, Whyte indicated that the earliest he was expecting it to happen would be August 22 at 90 days; however he admitted to be leaning towards the beginning of September.

So, this eaglet is probably a female – life is full of surprises though,” added Whyte.

Community members are encouraged to come join the monitors on Tuesday mornings and share the magnificent sights. The BEPR monitors are normally on duty on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well.

Members of the public who would like to watch what Makatsa and Mahlori are up to can do so here.