Mahlori and Makatsa, the world-famous pair of Verreaux’s eagles residing at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, have seemingly completed their annual courtship and are preparing for the laying of a new egg.

According to Black Eagle Project of Roodekrans (BEPR) committee member Dougie Crewe, the pair’s behaviour over the past weeks is typically indicative of an egg being on the way.

“During our monitoring session on April 21, we found Makatsa sitting on the nest with Mahlori perched on a rock nearby,” he says.

“This raised our hopes that there may be an egg, but it was not to be.

“The pair took to the sky soon after and, after some spectacular aerial displays, started bringing sticks and green sprays to add to the nest, indicating that the egg is due any day now.”

Also read: OPS Block Watch holds AGM

According to Dougie, the annual egg laying is an exciting time for the monitors.

“Of course, there is a little competition among our members to see who can spot the egg first,” he says.

“We are looking forward to monitoring the progress of the eagles and the new season’s chicks.”

Crewe once again urged community members to visit the garden and to pay a visit to the BEPR monitoring station.