Friday 24 February 2012

Whose claws are these??

Leaving Bwindi early we headed back up to Queen Elizabeth Park to look for raptors again.
We caught Western-banded Snake Eagles
and Long-crested Eagles. Note that one of the crest feathers is still in pin.
While those ringing are focussed on the bird, one of us always had an eye out for wild animals like approaching buffalo.
There was plenty to see as we drove around. This Topi was probably a lion kill with a Ruppell's Griffon Vulture and White-backed vultures fighting over the carcass.
The highlight of the day was, without doubt, a stunning young Martial Eagle. That is the bird who the massive claws belong to in the top picture. Those feet definitely needed a firm grip on them!
The sight of it flying off was one we will all remember.
It was dark by the time we headed back to Ishasha Wilderness camp after enjoying a stunning sunset over the Savannah.
No time for mist nets here but Richard and Nathan were up for a 4am dazzle. They caught some Square-tailed Nightjars.
With the chance of lions nearby, dazzling had to be from the vehicle, no wandering about at night on foot in this part of the country.
Back to the real world and our nights of lamping are continuing in wet and windy Pembrokeshire. This week we have caught Snipe, Golden Plover, Fieldfare, Redwing, Meadow Pipit and last night, our 70th Woodcock of the season.

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