Another time same eagle family.

The cycle never stops the next time the eagle returns it may have a duck, magpie ,small fox or even a small emu chick. Sorry for the gory bits but this is how it happens. The eagles will chase and dive bomb a female kangaroo forcing her to eject her small joey then they will normally eat some of the joey to reduce the weight which has to be carried back to the nest to feed the chick or chicks. You may also notice in the photo that the prey is always held in one talon as they still need one talon to land with. They very rarely carry prey in their beaks back to the nest.

comments (8)

Mark Ridgway

Lion

Great shot. Mmm.. joey. Posted 9 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Gruesome, and I'm really impressed by the size of the average prey. You documented this behavior very well, this is so much more than just a picture. Posted 9 years ago
1. Back Water Fox
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Ferdy there were many hours spent with different pairs of eagles and you always see something different every time you go out to do a session. Posted 9 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

Spectacular photo! Posted 9 years ago
1. Back Water Fox
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Claire i can still remember the long hours stuck in a sweltering hide for 8-9 hours at a time and at 20 meters above the ground i think it was a lot hotter in the hide than over at the nest. Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Claire Hamilton
    
    Lion
    
    I can imagine, but your patience and determination certainly paid off. it's sad that many people don't realise the lengths some people go to to get 'that' photograph. Always nice to know the story behind the shot. Thank you! Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. Back Water Fox
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks Clare you could write a book on all the techniques used in this type of photography plus its something that you have to learn without stressing the birds. Posted 9 years ago

Leuba Ridgway

Lion

That's a fantastic image and action shot. Posted 5 years ago

The Wedge-tailed Eagle

The wedge-tailed eagle, sometimes known as the eaglehawk, is the largest bird of prey in Australia, and is also found in southern New Guinea, part of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It has long, fairly broad wings, fully feathered legs, and an unmistakable wedge-shaped tail.

Info 20 0

Similar species: Diurnal Birds Of Prey

Species identified by Back Water Fox