Fish Eagle caught in the act

31 Replies

The call of the African Fish Eagle is so evocative of Africa’s wild places, and seeing one is always a special treat, high on the wish-list of many safari-goers. Especially when you get the chance to see it in action; gracefully descending with claws outstretched to snatch a fish from just below the water’s surface and then majestically soaring away with its prize grasped in its talons. The stuff nature documentaries are made of.

During our mid-August trip to the Kruger National Park, Joubert and I were lucky to see a Fish Eagle catch a sharp-tooth catfish from the waters of the Sabie River just downstream from Lower Sabie Rest Camp. While this particular individual won’t score a perfect ten for the execution – that splash-down would have had the Olympic audience snickering, and thank goodness for that sandbank! – it nevertheless was an amazing sighting. Most of these photographs were taken by Joubert.

African Fish Eagle fly-past (photo by Joubert)
The prey has been spotted (photo by Joubert)
Homing in on the target… (photo by Joubert)
Getting into position… (photo by Joubert)
Strike imminent… (photo by Joubert)
(Wet) success! (photo by Joubert)
Is it the Eagle or the catfish splashing..? (photo by Joubert)
Heading for the sandbank
Heading for the sandbank (photo by Joubert)
Heading for the sandbank (photo by Joubert)
Fish Eagle with catfish prey
Fish Eagle with catfish prey (photo by Joubert)
Now with its composure regained, the Fish Eagle sets off for a favourite perch
Now with its composure regained, the Fish Eagle sets off for a favourite perch (photo by Joubert)
Now with its composure regained, the Fish Eagle sets off for a favourite perch (photo by Joubert)

31 thoughts on “Fish Eagle caught in the act”

  3. H.J. for avian101

    Excellent series! The African Fish Eagle is very much like our Osprey, that does fishing with the same techniques. Joubert is developing the skills needed to have a critical eye for photography, he picks the best angles. Thank you, D. and Joubert! Great duo! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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