Wedge-tailed Eagle - Munyunga
These eagles, the largest in Australia, are called Munyunga in the Yuin language group. Because of the distinctive wedge tail, they are commonly called wedge-tailed eagles.
They are large - mature birds can have a wingspan of more than 2m (7') - and close up they are muscular and massive. To have one take off for the ground in front of you is an experience not to be forgotten.
Family - Molonglo High Plains
Wedge-tailed eagles regularly patrol the Tallaganda Wilderness and the associated pasture lands. They often fly as pairs, and sometimes as a larger family.
These shots - from 2014. shows the family together (female on left, child right top and male lower right). When the male departs, the female flies to child and commences grooming. Finally a shot of the child alone (note wing feathers out of place against a small branch) and a final shot as it flies off.
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TuenaIt is more usual to come across a solitary eagle. They have the unnerving habit of taking off by flying from their tree into the clear space of a road - and they are so large that, for a moment in time, they fill the road.
Comments
I'm not sure people appreciate the amount of time, timing and patience that gets into taking birdshots as good as these.