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.
DeWetsWild 
What a beauty! It was determined to hang onto that fish. Well done, fish eagle and Joubert.
Thank you very much, Tracy!
You’re welcome.
Wonderful shots!
Thank you, Linda!
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! 🙂
Very kind of you, thanks H.J!
Wow! Dis pragtig!!
Baie dankie, Aletta
Fascinating!
We were very excited!
A fabulous encounter documented, as many others have noticed. Seeing nature ‘in action’ is such a thrill….
That’s the honest truth, Lori!
What a treat to see this Dries and wonderfully captured by Joubert! 🤗
Thank you, Xenia!
This is a grand sequence – well done to the photographers!
Thank you very much, Anne
Wonderful pictures! 😀
Thanks John!
Love it! Well done.
Thanks, Janet!
Die ou is seker nog bietjie jonk. Hy sal nog n paar lesse moet kry om perfek te duik gryp en vlieg.
Ek vermoed die baber het op die laaste nippertjie bietjie dieper geduik
Haha surprise surprise!
What a thrilling experience! Thanks for sharing the commentary and excellent photos. Best, Babsje
Wonderful to hear you enjoyed the sequence so, Babsje. Thank you.
Amazing! 😊
Thrilling to see in real life!
I can imagine. 😊
Joubert, the wildlife photographer, aced it again!
You’ll put a smile on his face this morning when he wakes, Hien – thank you!