This is a White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and for once the scientific name means the same thing as its common name. Oh, the wonderful symmetry of it all!
This bird - which has a wing span of about 2m - was sitting in a dead tree on the banks of Yellow Water in Kakadu National Park. It refused to do much other than open and close its eyes as we watched it. According to one of my guide books, in flight this bird has the 'look of a huge butterfly' - I have to say that would be an impressive butterfly!
This species of eagle is found all over Australia except for the interior - which of course does not have any sea!
Later on the same evening I found this bird (or its mate) in a rather scenic pose on a different dead tree. I rather like the sunset images I was able to take.
Now it's over to you - click on the blue button and off you go!
This is the first I've heard of a sea eagle. Yet another majestic bird I see.
ReplyDeleteah, nothing can beat an eagle against a twilight sky.
ReplyDelete(except a cute puppy, maybe)
Love the silhouettes..Nothing more regal than an Eagle..Beautiful bird..Wonderful pictures..
ReplyDeleteThat is a stunning raptor! Beautiful! Love the silhouettes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunner!!!! Nice captures of the bird. The sunset shots are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIf someone crossed our Bald Eagle with our Osprey - I have a feeling it would look similar to this. What a magnificent bird! Love the silhouette shots at sunset, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, especially the sunset silhouettes! It's like that eagle was posing for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Sea Eagle. I see them around this way sometimes but seldom in such a striking pose against the blue sky.
ReplyDeleteOh what a handsome bird or birds if it is a mate ... you can't really tell unless you see them together. Now, I would say that those last two shots would be good candidates for a new button for your blog ... just saying. Of course, I could probably say that every week with the variety and beauty of all your shots. As you are enjoying progressively warmer weather, we have finally hit the freezing weather with snow ... Ugh! I do love the snow, but find it harder and harder to deal with the cold. Might just have to move to Thailand ... only a six hour flight from Australia :) Food for thought ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Beautiful bird. The sunset images are stunning!
ReplyDeleteSuper shots of a beautiful eagle.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart!:) Fabulous close shots of the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, which posed so nicely for you, and the beautiful sunset silhouettes.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos, particularly the silhouette shots. I am interested to know what its call is like as the white headed eagle in South Africa (the Fish Eagle) has the most amazing call. I could sit and listen to them all day. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteI have seen this species just at one location in Malaysia several years ago. One particular bird was trying to catch Little Egrets, an unexpected item of food for my eyes used to seeing much smaller raptors in the UK. Thanks for reminding me of my trip Stewart.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent bird, and very nice sunset shots as well!
ReplyDeleteStewart, I am still gasping over this week's treat from you!!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! The sunset silhouette is stunning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird... Background of sky is making picture more beautiful...
ReplyDeleteStunning Bird,fantastic captures.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Stewart, great photos, especially the sunsets. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird and photography. A bird I did not see in Queensland. :)
ReplyDelete