The Amazing Steppe Eagle

As I was enjoying some time outside on our porch recently, I looked up into the deep blue sky and there, far, far away, high above me was a very large bird riding the wind currents.

He looked so graceful.  I wondered what type of 'big bird' he was.

I tried to remember what I saw and then went and had a look through our bird book.  After significant searching in the book and further on the internet, my amateur conclusion (from the markings on his underwing) was that he was most probably a young Steppe Eagle (although of course I can't be sure).

But if it was a Steppe Eagle, it is an amazing bird.

Apart from being about 2m across in wingspan, he is famous for a couple of other achievements!

Firstly the Steppe Eagle was used in a study to try to understand how birds cope in difficult wind conditions.  Eventually scientists discovered they do super fast processes of 'collapsing' their wings under them in an effort to stay 'stable' in gusty unfavourable winds.  A rather amazing system!  

Check out this article in Science Daily for more information on the Steppe Eagles 'wing tucks'!

or for more technical data

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/5822248_Automatic_aeroelastic_devices_in_the_wings_of_a_steppe_eagle_Aquila_nipalensis

Secondly the Steppe Eagle is noted in my bird book as a 'summer visitor' and doesn't breed in these parts.  Well that was interesting, but where does he visit from each year?

3 guesses?

a) Saudi Arabia

b) Russia

c) Kenya

 - the answer is :.....Russia!

Isn't that amazing!  Every year they fly south for the winter - even as far south as the Kalahari Desert!  .....that's a very long way!  - ALMOST 10,000kms!

On one journey from Botswana to Kazakhstan, one of them was tracked travelling an average of 177km per day but they can do up to about 350km per day, so the journey takes them about 8 weeks.

Apparently they like to eat ground squirrels, other rodents, crickets, reptiles and termites - all of which are available for his menu in this part of the world, that's for sure!

God's creation never ceases to amaze!  

.....learn more about the Steppe Eagle here