Man captures rare sighting of Martial Eagle stalking Black-headed Heron

The North Coast estate is home to a variety of large birds, including Fish Eagles and Crowned Eagles.

A normal Saturday afternoon drive along the beachfront at Seaton Estate, north of Sheffield Beach, KZN turned into an experience of a life-time for the Smith family.

While on the hunt for sardines, Andrew, his wife Tracy and son Matthew spotted a juvenile Martial Eagle in the process of stalking a Black-headed Heron, quite a sizeable feast for the young bird.

The juvenile Marital eagle stalks its prey. The heron is already visibly injured at this time, Andrew said. Photo: Andrew Smith

Head of sales at Seaton Estate, Andrew says that they slowly started following the bird and before they knew it, all they could hear was the sound of flapping wings.

Next, they spotted both birds in a tangle on the ground.

The juvenile Martial Eagle moves closer to its prey. Photo: Andrew Smith

“Get the camera, get the camera,” Andrew said urgently to Tracy.

Then Andrew started capturing photographs any amateur wildlife photographer would be proud of.

The juvenile Martial Eagle and its prey. Photo: Andrew Smith

According to Andrew, Seaton Estate is home to a variety of large birds, including Fish Eagles and Crowned Eagles. There are also two juvenile Martial Eagles.

“It really was the experience of a life-time,” says Andrew.

Read original story on northcoastcourier.co.za

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