After weeks of waiting in anticipation, Black Eagle Project Roodekrans (BEPR) confirmed that the juvenile black eagle at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (WSNBG) fledged on Sunday, August 28.

Only a few of the BEPR monitors were at the garden to witness the fledging of the juvenile as it stood in the bitterly cold wind and took to the skies for the first time.

Also read: Black eagle chick looks eager to take flight in a few days

BEPR observer Dougie Crewe confirmed that Makatsa and Mahlori’s 96-days-old chick fledged at approximately 07:00.

Crewe and BEPR photographer and observer Johan van den Berg have been visiting the garden since Friday, August 26 waiting for the juvenile to fly.

After a lot of hopping from one rocky ledge to the next, our waiting was rewarded on Sunday morning. I have posted an announcement on my personal and BEPR Facebook pages,” said Crewe.

According to photographer David Whyte who joined Crewe for the juvenile’s maiden flight, there was a strong cold wind as the sun made its appearance.

“The eagles’ child had already hopped up to the starting point for its maiden flight. I was too busy setting up when he or she took off and flew along a curved path to where it landed.

The journey took no more than three to four seconds; I certainly hope it goes on to become a great parent and lives a long and happy life,” said Whyte.

BEPR monitors will keep a close watch on further developments, and keep all the black eagle followers updated.

Members of the public who would like to watch what the black eagles are up to can do so here.