The Epic Wedge Tail Eagle.
Early November I took a trip to the stunning Flinders Ranges with the sole mission of spotting the magnificent Wedge Tail Eagle. During our time in the Flinders, we traversed the backroads, setting out early in the mornings and late in the afternoons – the prime times for eagle sightings. We kept our eyes peeled for these majestic birds, whether perched in trees or feeding on the ground. It was a thrilling and memorable experience and to my delight came home with a number of stunning images. A difficult bird to spot at the best of times I was privileged to spot around 8 wedgies over a three-day period.
Wedge Tail Eagles
Wedge-tailed eagles are impressive birds of prey that can be found soaring over the Flinders Ranges. These majestic birds are known for their incredible wingspan, which can reach up to 2.5 meters wide and the wedgie can stand approximately 1 metre high. This makes the Wedge Tail Eagle one of the largest eagles in the world. They are often seen riding thermals to great heights, sometimes reaching up to 2 kilometers above the ground.
In the Flinders Ranges, wedge-tailed eagles play a crucial role in the ecosystem as apex predators. They primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles, helping to maintain the balance of the local wildlife population.
Spotting a “Wedgie”
Wedge-tailed eagles are generally diurnal, which means they are active during the daytime. They are most often seen soaring high in the sky during the mid-morning to late afternoon hours. These periods are optimal for hunting, as the thermal updrafts help them to effortlessly glide and spot potential prey from great heights.
On our way out of the Pound, I spotted a pair and Juvenile located approximately 300 metres out into the bush. A very stealthy stalk through the landscape I found myself withing 50 metres of the stunning birds and at a good distance to capture these stunning images.