The Cape Bird Club

Western Cape Raptor Research Programme – Zandvlei's Fish Eagle juvenile.

03/05/2005 – The Fish Eagle juvenile was circling low over the forest this morning. "Its the first time I have seen it in yonks, I am soooo happy" reports Ann.

photograph by Ann Koeslag

02/02/2005 – Ann reports that junior is still hanging about the nest site.
Does anyone know how long it might take for the juvenile to be taken fishing by the parents?

photograph by Ann Koeslag

31/12/2004 – Ann took this picture on the last day of 2004 when patrolling her beat.

photograph by Ann Koeslag

01/12/2004 – The next sighting.  Ann reports that all is going well with the chick.

photograph by Ann Koeslag

This (below) is the first picture of the fledged African Fish Eagle on 11/11/2004 to the resident pair at Zandvlei. Ann Koeslag has been monitoring the process since June 2004, when she found the nest after much detective work and perseverance.

photograph by Ann Koeslag

Soon after landing in the top of the tree and exercising his/her wings, the youngster was buzzed by a pair of Yellow billed Kites.  A pair of Pied Crows nearby were giving their bit as well. It is known how the gulls and numerous other birds mob the Fish Eagles when they are at Zandvlei, all part of their daily existence.

photograph by Ann Koeslag                                            photograph by Ann Koeslag

The parents mating near the nest site.            What a handsome specimen!!

If anyone sees him/her, please report it on the CapeBirdNet or contact Western Cape Raptor Research Programme, Fitzpatrick Institute, UCT.
We would be most grateful.