Tawny Eagle and Bataleur scavanging

Again, we tried to find a pack of wild dogs that was running earlier on the main road. We tracked them towards a very thick area and eventually lost all sign of the predators. We guessed they would be hunting in the area. We got confirmed a bit later as we found four wild dogs lying in the shade with full bellies, resting. The dogs were digging themselves into the moist sand to cool down a bit. As we left the sight we spotted a Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) diving from about 100 metres into a thicket, followed by a Bataleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) landing in the same area. We followed the raptors and located the remains of a female Impala that obviously had been killed by the wild dogs. We arrived at the carcass as two Tawny Eagles were busy picking the last bits of meat of the bones. The two got chased of spectacularly by a Bataleur diving into the scene. Both raptors are known to feed on carrion but seldom seen doing so. The Impala carcass was finished within minutes as White-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) as well as Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus) took over. Thanks to Nicky Bell for the great pictures.

Posted: Kirkman's Kamp by Stephanie Mast, Date: 30 March 2008

 
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