White-bellied Sea-eagle

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).

_{( All photos, videos, and text on this blog are by @mostly.nature )}

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.

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