Jonathan, one of our rangers, has just given me a couple of photos he took on a game drive a few days ago, and they really intrigued me.

The first shot is one of a Tawny Eagle, on a kill that morning. It looks like he is eating another bird of prey. I believe it may be a Vulture chick. Vultures only scavange and do not hunt at all. The Tawny Eagle is one of the biggest and most powerful birds of prey in south Africa. They are known to feed on smaller mammals and game birds. So to me it is quite special to see this magnificent eagle on a baby vulture kill. It most certainly is very unusual!

The Tawny Eagle has a wingspan of almost 2m (!!), and it is currently not endangered (Thank God!)

Jonathan had also spotted a super-rare round Southern Ground Hornbill that morning. They are quite endangered at this moment in time because of the exotic bird trade and traditional medicine in south Africa, as well as tree destruction. These birds can live up to about 80 years old and only raise one chick every 7 years. Male and female stay together for life. They have incredibly strong beaks that are able to crush a tortoise shell. It is great to know that they are doing so well on our reserve, I always love seeing this truly rare and special bird!