There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
The martial eagle live in the South of the Sahara desert but is highly threatened. One of the biggest extant eagles, wingspan from 1m88 to 2m60. Highly sexual dimorphic, whereas males weigh from 2.2 to 3.8 kilos, females weigh from 4.5 to 6.5 kilos. This eagle's legs are covered by feathers.
Beverly Joubert:" African darters are common in the waterways of the Okavango. They use the channels to fish for prey, bobbing across the surface with just their snake-like necks exposed before diving under to spear any unsuspecting fish. Unlike most other waterbirds, the feathers of darters do not contain insulating oil, which means they can become waterlogged after a bout of hunting. It's an adaptation that, along with dense bones, makes them almost neutrally buoyant at the water's surface. We often see these birds perched in trees alongside spillways with their wings outstretched to maximise exposure to the sun. Getting up close to this one reveals its silvery beak and striking markings. "
"They've seen places beyond my land and they've found new horizons" "Flying high, high, I'm a bird in the sky I'm an eagle that rides on the breeze" ID: Steppe Eagle "
Peet Strydom:" Juv. Bearded vultures. Uncommon resident, regarded as endangered in South Africa with recent population decrease, due mainly to poisoning. "
Andy Trowbridge:" Golden Eagle feeding on a red fox in snow. Way back in March, 2008 I was lucky enough to spend 4 days in small hide in Finland, with the hope of seeing and photographing these magnificent birds. Turned out to be one of the best experience I’ve had, with birds coming every day and in fabulous winter conditions. "