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Bonelli’s Eagle at a water-hole – Part 1

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Oct 12 2012
Harrier flying low over the grassland - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle on embankment - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle stepping into water - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle with wings spread - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle and Blackbuck sharing a drink - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle stretching and Blackbuck drinking water - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle watching and Blackbuck drinking water - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle standing on one leg - Tal ChaparBonelli's Eagle driking water - Tal Chapar

 

 

It started off just like another afternoon drive into the grasslands at Tal Chapar. Hoopoes and Eurasian Collared Doves were their usual busy selves – feeding, flying, preening. An occasional Harrier flew low over the grasslands looking for a potential snack.

Harrier flying low over the grassland - Tal Chapar

A juvenile Harrier flying low over the grassland

 

We decided to check out the ponds within the park. The early October afternoon was still pretty warm and there was a chance of seeing some activity at the pond.  As we approached one of the ponds, we came across a Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) on the embankment.

Bonelli's Eagle on embankment - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle on embankment – Tal Chapar

 

After scrutinizing its surroundings, it  decided to go towards the water for a drink.

Bonelli's Eagle stepping down from embankment - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle stepping down from embankment

 

Bonelli's Eagle with wings spread - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle with wings spread – Tal Chapar

 

As the eagle got to the water hole, it was joined by a visitor – a female Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra).

Bonelli's Eagle and Blackbuck sharing a drink - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle and Blackbuck sharing a drink

 

Bonelli's Eagle stretching and Blackbuck drinking water - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle stretching and Blackbuck drinking water

 

Bonelli's Eagle watching and Blackbuck drinking water - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle watching and Blackbuck drinking water

 

The Blackbuck left after having her fill. The Bonelli’s Eagle lingered on, alternating between standing on one leg to relax and on two legs to take a sip of water.

Bonelli's Eagle standing on one leg - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle standing on one leg

 

Bonelli's Eagle drinking water - Tal Chapar

Bonelli’s Eagle drinking water

 

As time passed, there were more visitors to the water-hole that evening. More on that in Part 2 of this story…coming up shortly.

 

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