I confess–I snuck a peek up the skirt of a Bateleur eagle.

The red-faced Bateleur eagle owes its name to the French word for tight-rope walking, a testament to the rocking movement of its wing tips as it glides overhead. It is a stunning bird-of-prey and one of my favorites to spot in the African bush. The vivid red skin in front of the eyes takes about eight years to fully form and once it does, there is absolutely no mistaking the Bataleur!

A Bold Approach with a Bateleur!

On a trip to South Africa in 2013, my ranger Andrew and I came across a pair of Bateleur eagles high up in a treetop, well off the road. It was a quiet day and there had not been much game to photograph. I was itching to create some images, so I suggested we try to get a little closer and Andrew positioned the truck forward, into some bush. I wasn’t satisified and asked if we could approach on foot. He was certain we would not get far once we left the truck. We got out and started to slowly zig-zag a path towards the tree. Within a few feet the male decided he didn’t like the look of me and took off for parts unknown. But his female companion stayed put. Maybe I would get lucky?

Slow and Steady!

I made my way forward in a slow meander, moving right and then left. Andrew stayed back keeping an eye on the area. I am sure my zigzag gait made me look like I had tossed back one too many Amurulas.  Every turn I got a little closer to her. She was clearly alert, looking back at me over her shoulder, but remained on her perch.

I took several shots as I was nearing the base of the tree, but the goal was to shoot this short-tailed eagle from directly below. Andrew thought I was loopy, but agreed to let me try my foolery.  I stayed put for a few moments before once again inching forward, keeping my head down, heart racing but appearing to look disinterested in her. Every couple of feet, thinking they may be my last forward, I would get off a couple of “safety” shots. I never imagined she would co-operate and let me get close enough–but I was wrong!

Beneath the Bateleur!

At last, I was at the base of the tree and right beneath a female Bateleur eagle! I hoisted up the Canon 5D Mlll with a Canon 400 F4 DO lens and balanced the rig on my forehead, trying to steady myself while I looked straight up. The weight of the camera resting on my face, and my head tilting back as far as I could, made me achingly aware of every vertebra! As my neck and shoulders strained to keep the camera still on my forehead, I made a mental note to email my physiotherapist. I was in awe that this gorgeous Bateleur eagle didn’t fly off! But she did continue to look out in the distance, denying me the image I was hoping for.

Finally, the moment I was after! Those dark, marble-like eyes catching the light, looked directly down at me as I looked straight up at her. I am sure she was wondering what kind of foolish, unicorn-like creature was directly below her? We made eye contact for a handful of ticks, and I got off two or three shots, my neck and back giving in to the wobbles. My grinning might also have contributed to the lack of stability.

Then, after the briefest of moments, she lifted her head, gave me a backwards glance, and flew off, leaving me standing there with a gleeful and goofy, yet achingly strained look on my face! At least she didn’t roll her eyes. I looked back at Andrew, and he was chuckling and shaking his head in disbelief.

When All the Elements Align

All of these images were taken on day nine of an eleven-day trip. It was only the second or third time in nine days that the gray and gloom had cleared slightly, leaving a small patch of passing blue sky between the clouds. If there was ever a moment for that to happen, this was it!

Over the years since this sighting, I have had other wonderful encounters with the magnificent Bateleur eagle, and I am always eager to try to capture them. But I have never again had such an amazing encounter as this one, looking up the skirt of my favourite eagle!

 

Just one last thing before you go…

Thank you very much for visiting my website. I support myself as an artist solely with my photography and writing. If you enjoy the content I create and share,  please consider supporting me on KO-FI.COM  Joining the Armchair Wanderers or The Wild Bunch will give you access to exclusive member-only content-including behind-the-scene safari shenanigans live from my travels. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and for promoting passion.

Cheers!

NJ