Black Eagle update: Makatsa chooses waterfall for new nest

POORTVIEW – The arrival of a new female black eagle, Makatsa, was a surprise to the Black Eagle Project Roodekraans – but even more surprising is that Makatsa seems to be nest-building!

Chairperson of the project, Gerald Draper explained that they only expect the pair to lay their first eggs in April next year; however, Makatsa has been seen building a nest at a new sight, away from the webcam that used to monitor the old nest.

This would mean the project has to look at moving the web cameras, which is problematic as this disturbance could ruin the new couple’s breeding cycle. Only time and keen observation will determine what the volunteers of the project will do.

Draper further suspects Makatsa is actually one of Emoyeni and Thulane’s offspring, as she is very familiar with the breeding territory around Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens and sits in all Emoyeni’s old favourite spots.

With regards to beloved Emoyeni, Draper said they can’t be sure what happened to her and they don’t want to release a statement as they could never be sure of what actually happened.

Emoyeni either left the breeding territory, was ousted, or has died but, short of finding a carcass, Draper hopes she is still out there somewhere. “She was old but she was the best hunter. She taught the other eagles how to hunt and she was just so experienced that there is no doubt she would have no problem fending for herself.”

Related stories: UPDATE: Makatsa, the unexpected surprise

Hellos and goodbyes for black eagle breeding pair