The eagle had caught what appeared to be a bird close to the Skukuza camp in the reserve. This was when the real excitement began.
Tawny eagle settles down with kill
Desray recalls the incredible moment: “Slowly driving up the road towards Skukuza from Malelane gate, a juvenile tawny eagle landed a few metres in front of our car with its kill.”
The tawny eagle is found in a wide range of habitats, from savannas and semi-deserts to open woodlands. They are medium to large eagles, with a wingspan of up to 190cm and a body length of about 65 to 72cm.
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They eagles are versatile when it comes to food. They feed on live prey such as rodents, reptiles, birds and hares. This one appeared to be eating a bird.
Tawny eagles have powerful hooked beaks and sharp talons, which they use to grip and tear apart prey. These adaptations are crucial for both hunting and feeding on carcasses.
Desray says that she and her loved ones were amazed to see the eagle from so close, eating its prey! They had a front row seat to witness the majesty of the beautiful eagle.
Vultures become aware of fresh kill in the area
However, the eagle’s peaceful feeding was about to be disturbed. It wasn’t long before vultures became aware that there was a fresh kill in the vicinity.
Desray relates how a vulture suddenly appeared on the scene. This vulture was followed by another vulture… and another, and another. More and more vultures gathered around the tawny eagle.
They had their focus set on stealing its prey. The eagle, however, refused to be an easy target.
Eagle attempts to flee vultures
“The poor juvenile tawny tried to defend its meal from the hungry vultures, and eventually tried to flee with its meal to the opposite side of the road.”
However, the vultures were in hot pursuit of the eagle, running up from behind it!
The eagle was outnumbered. However, it remained determined. They don’t call it ‘eagle focus’ for no reason!
Shielding its meal, it continued to feast. It managed to move a distance away from the vultures, with only one or two stragglers now on its tail.
Eagle manages to escape with kill
Eventually it managed to catch an upward draft of wind and wings outstretched, it lifted itself up from the ground and flew away with its kill. It had outmanouvered and outshone its rivals. They didn’t get a single bit of its meal!
“I had never seen anything like this before,” says Desray. “I spoke with a few rangers and keen game viewers and none of them had ever witnessed what we saw.”
She says they still wonder about how the story ended. “The eagle landed in a tree next to the road. This was the last we saw of it. It was such an exciting sighting. The adrenaline rushed through our bodies and we felt a part of the action.”