I photographed this White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster ) yesterday from my backyard. There was actually a pair of them flying very low together. I went back to the house, about 70 metres away, to get my camera but when I returned I could not spot them. Then I noticed one was perched in a tree on the hill (see second photo). I sat and waited about half an hour knowing it would have to fly off eventually. Then suddenly it started honking (yes they honk) and flew up. I grabbed a few shots as it circled upwards but this was the best (see first shot).
Here in Tasmania the Wiite-bellied Sea-eagle is listed as vulnerable with an estimated 200–220 pairs throughout the state. These eagles eat fish as well as reptiles, small mammals, carrion etc. I occasionally I see them flying over the house carrying fairly large fish (The sea is just across the road).
References:
*Department of the Environment (2017). Haliaeetus leucogaster in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Tue, 10 Oct 2017 16:42:18 +1100.
Beautiful eagle species... Nice photos! 🙂
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Here on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland we have a few pair of White Belly Sea Eagles, they are amazing to see soaring above the beaches and estuaries. Unfortunately their massive trees they use to nest in are becoming less common. The Ospreys arm comfortable utilising the Phone towers as nesting perches but not the sea eagles.
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An astonishing bird to encounter in one's own back yard.
Nice shots my friend :)