Black Eagle Project Roodekrans

05/09/2026

Life in Sisulu Gardens

04/09/2026

02/09/2026

All indications are that Makatsa and Mahlori have abandoned the idea of laying another brood. Neither the Eagles went anywhere near any of the Nests. There was a bit of aerial displays but nothing to write home about. Here are a few photos taken by Karin Hurlimann Wrede and Naomi Corinaldi of the pair, even of a Butterfly.
Sorry, not much to report, but, being Spring Day, we decided a little celebration was needed. Photo below.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

Wild Africa Experiences
Keeping The West Wild NPC

26/08/2026

Don't forget the Black Eagle Mountain Run on the 3rd October 2026. Great prizes to be won.
BEPR Monitors will be on hand to chat to anyone at our Gazebo.

Wild Africa Experiences
Keeping The West Wild NPC

26/08/2026

Makatsa and Mahlori were not very active yesterday, in fact they didn't even visit the Nest once while the Monitors were on Duty.
Karin Hurlimann Wrede and Naomi Corinaldi were desperately trying to get the perfect picture of the pair to Post on this page. However, here are two photos of the Eagles mating and relaxing in the trees taken by Karin and Naomi yesterday.
Being so quiet, we decided to post some photos of our other Feathed Friends in the Gardens that keep us occupied.
Well, it looks like Makatsa and Mahlori have aborted laying a second clutch this season, but who knows? We'll keep you informed.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

18/08/2026

A beautiful, hot, sunny morning in the Gardens this morning. Not a cloud in the sky. Makatsa and Mahlori spent all morning together, in the air and perched in the trees. Only one visit to the new Nest, a clear indication that they are in no hurry to lay any Eggs soon. However, the one thing we have learned monitoring the Eagles all these years is, not to presume anything. Let's wait and see. What we do know is, if they lay Eggs now, the raising of the Chick is going to be extremely trying for Mum & Dad in the hot, summer Sun.
Karin Hurlimann Wrede was on hand today with her camera. Her photos depicting today's activities. Spending time together with a beautiful shot of the Moon watching over them.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

Keeping The West Wild NPC
Wild Africa Experiences

05/08/2026

Rather a hectic day yesterday with only four Monitors on hand, but we managed. Once again, we were able to chat to a number of Visitors to the Gardens. A visitor from the USA graced us by signing our BEPR International Visitor's Register, which we have on hand for all International Visitors.
Makatsa and Mahlori started off the morning very slowly, once again raising concerns that they will not get the Nest built in time. But at about 09.00, they started with a little action. As one can see, from the photos taken by Karin Hurlimann Wrede, one of our regular Monitors, Makatsa and Mahlori were pulling off sticks and Green Sprays from the trees nearby and bringing them to the New Nest. A positive sign that they may still lay Eggs shortly. Going to be a difficult task raising the Chick in the hot Summer Sunshine, but who are we to tell them how to raise chicks.
Karins last photo shows how the Red Wing Starlings, hassling the Eagles in the air. They didn't show much concern though.
Our Monitors will be following Makatsa and Mahloris behavior very closely during the next few days, enabling us to keep you up to date with the situation.
Till next time.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

Wild Africa Experiences
Keeping The West Wild NPC

31/07/2026

Save the date for the Black Eagle Mountain Run on the 3rd October 2026.

Choose between the 4km, 8km or 16km Run up the Mountain or 2km Walk around the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden South Africa. Starting Times still to be confirmed.

Wild Africa Experiences
Keeping The West Wild NPC

29/07/2026

Pretty much a Relaxing day for Makatsa and Mahlori yesterday morning. Hardly spent any time Nest Building though, which is becoming a concern. Time is running out to raise a Chick successfully in our hot Summer Sun.
As can be seen from the photos taken by Karin Hurlimann Wrede, one of our regular Monitors, the Eagles spent a lot of time together. You can clearly see on the photos, the hind quarter of a Scrub Hare, being brought in for a sit-down meal on the Ridge. After that, a bit of "bonding", a daily ritual for the pair.
Lots of Sunshine yesterday, giving our Monitors the opportunity to chat to the Visitors to the Gardens. We had a few Groups of Hikers and Bird Clubs coming over for information on the Eagles.
The next few weeks are going to be critical for a successful Breeding Season. The Monitors will be there to record the events. Pop down to the Gardens for a chat and we'll bring you up to date with all the events.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.