In search of the White-tailed Eagle - Old Basing

[rolf]

Was my second visit yesterday, five hours spent waiting and watching, then to get a message from another watcher that it had appeared a few hundred yards up the road in a field opposite a farm. Picked up all of my kit and myself and another couple of birders headed quickly to the sighting spot, damn, missed it by a few minutes.

May well give it another try this afternoon.

Did take a few other photos, not relevant to the eagle, but they'll add some colour to the post.

[Catherine]

Nice pics of flight none-the less!

(Hope that Kestrel(?) didn't have his eye on the Dunnock!)

[rolf]

Played hookie this afternoon, managed two sightings of the Eagle, unfortunately on the second when I had my camera out, the sun was behind the bird, but got some photos which illustrate the size of this magnificent creature.

Was starting to feel a bit sorry for him, as every time he takes flight, he is mobbed by crows and Buzzards.

[Catherine]

Brilliant photos, Rolf! I'm so glad you 'played hookie'

That first shot is so full of atmosphere, the second helps compare it in size with another of our largest birds, the third shows its Stealth bomber flight style, the next shows those far-reaching 'fingers' as it circles around - and the last one ... is that a Buzzard trying to attack it?

Brave Buzzard!

[rolf]

Yes, the last one was not very well focussed and right into the sun, but shows how close the Buzzards were getting to the Eagle. May sneak off to Old Basing later in the week if I get a chance to get a clearer shot, but it's a real waiting game.