Wedge-tailed Eagles, Aquila audax

We arrived in Jindabyne in the early afternoon on Xmas eve. While checking into our hotel, we asked the hotelier about our planned route and found out it would take about twice the amount of time we thought. Hmmm, we must be a little rusty in the planning department, rats!

But since there is no arguing with the sun about when he knocks off for the day, we decided to do about half the Alpine Way, to see what we could of it before dusk.

We werent five minutes out of 'Jindy' when The Most DH checked the mirrors and swerved to the side of the road. He had spotted these two Wedge-tailed Eagles resting in this tree by the side of the road!

I slipped out of the car, with the monopod this time, and crept along the road to bag these shots as they took to the sky. The earth was baking hot, so the thermals were ready for them to ride. Just three or four wing beats, and they were free of us and all cares.

This was a pretty near peak experience for me, as my absolute fave birds are the raptors and I have worked with them previously in a rehab setting. But to get this close to uninjured, truly wild raptors was a blast.

It wasnt long and other cars stopped to turn thier faces skyward and enjoy the show. Normally I avoid people like the plague, but there was Eagle magic at work, and for the first time ever, I experienced at-one-ment not just with nature, but also with my own kind. Thats powerful magic!

___________
For more info:
Wedge-tailed Eagles at Birds in Backyards