In this incredible scene, a Martial eagle swoops down on the Naledi Dam waterhole and catches a Nile monitor lizard right from the water.
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This species is the largest eagle in Africa and predates on small mammals and in this case; monitor lizards. They soar above the bushveld, spotting potential prey up to 6km away.
Martial Eagles
The Marshall Eagle is a beast. It is the largest eagle native to Sub -Saharan Africa. Now we’re used to seeing beautiful little songbirds having a dunk and a drink in the water at the edge of water holes and pans.
Or perhaps even the bird bath at parks or in your backyard. But the act of cleaning oneself and drinking water are basic exercises that all birds practice. This is a very popular waterhole though, and most birds of prey prefer not to be disturbed, even if it is just some giraffe in zebra.
This marshal eagle has walked right into the water hole, though it isn’t bathing. Walking in does allow it to drink more easily and to cool down its legs and body. It was probably hoping for a bit of privacy while it goes about its business.
It was probably hoping for a bit of privacy while it was going about its business. The giraffe and zebra that have come down for a drink barely notice the marshal eagle, but the large bird has certainly noticed them.
It is keeping a very low profile. Its head and body is down, close to the water, and it’s not moving. It’s giving the zebras a good stare down though, and I’m not sure that that’s an effective way to let them know it wants to be left alone.
Different animals have different personal space requirements. All wild birds, especially raptors, seem to have quite a large personal bubble need. They react quickly to approaching people, vehicles or animals.
A small or large space requirement is associated with caution and safety. Some individuals may learn over time that certain components of their environment are not a threat. A great example of this is how comfortable animals become with safari vehicles over time.
This martial eagle, having probably frequented this waterhole many times in the past, has likely learned that zebras and giraffes, among other animals probably, are NOT a treat. And so this eagle isn’t flying away, but instead staying still and keeping a profile, until it can feel comfortable enough to resume its activities.
