Black Eagle Project Roodekrans

02/06/2026

Today the adults decided to have a quiet day, probably contemplating what's next.
Upon arriving this morning, we found Makatsa on the Old refurbished nest, next to the Waterfall. Mahlori was sitting beside the nest. At about 09.00 both flew off, only to make a Cameo appearance at about 11.30. Naomi Corinaldi was able to get these photos which will give one a good idea where the nest is.

As we were packing up to leave, we received an unexpected visitor, who looked as if it was the most usual thing in the world to be there. Sat for a while before scampering off.

As we promised, we'll keep you posted on further developments.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

31/05/2026

Yesterday, Saturday , 30 May, our Monitors on duty reported that the adults were not on the nest incubating the Eggs, but flying together over the Basin.
This caused some concern, so we were in the Gardens just after the Sun came up this morning.
We waited in the freezing wind to see where the adults had roosted for the night.
Finally, at about 08.10, Makatsa made her appearance. She had spent the night on an Old nest, just next to the Waterfall. Mahlori saw her moving on the nest and immediately joined her. He had spent the night perched on the East Ridge.
This was our confirmation that Makatsa and Mahlori had abandoned the Eggs which were due to hatch within the next 10 days.
Both Eagles sat on the nest for a while untill Makatsa chased Mahlori off. She sat there for a while before joining him in the air.
However, all is not lost. Both adults then urgently started refurbishing the "Backup" nest. Urgently bringing in sticks and green sprays. Rearranging the sticks as the came in.
Robert Conradie was able to capture these photos of the preparing the "Backup" nest for the next clutch of eggs. Not too late for the Breeding Season.
We'll keep you informed on all further developments.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

27/05/2026

Lovey Sunny, warm morning in the Gardens yesterday. We were fortunate to have ten Monitors on duty, all interacting with Visitors to the Botanical Gardens. Eggs were laid 30 days ago.
Not much going on with the Eagles now. Makatsa spending most of her time on the Nest with Mahlori bringing in prey for her every now and then. Makatsa would come out the nest to eat, while Mahlori takes his turn sitting on the eggs.
Here we have some photos. The first two taken on Saturday morning by Robert Conradie, another of our Monitors.
The next three taken by Naomi Corinaldi shows Makatsa calling for Mahlori to take over on the nest for a while. Mahlori dutifully comes in for his turn.
The last photo is to show what a nuisance the Perrigrine Falcons are. Both Makatsa and Mahlori just brush off their attacks.
Well, we're expecting the Eggs to hatch in two weeks time. Come to the Gardens on Tuesdays and chat to our Monitors.

Posted by Dougie Crewe

17/05/2026

A heartwarming story of collaboration in a conservation exercise to assist birds in need.

When a plea by SANCCOB Gqebertha for new and used towels were needed to assist African Penguin chicks rescued from floods on Bird Island, Black Eagle Project Roodekrans based in Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden South Africa decided to "Lend a wing"

Gerald Draper arranged with Moya Cronje of The Pool Place in Blackheath that her venue could be used for delivery of all towels donated, and would continue to do so in the future as well.

The plea was then also sent to the West Rand and Johannesburg Regions of SANParks Honorary Rangers who, besides collecting from their members, also contracted with Stuttaford van Lines Chloorkop to sponsor the transport of 70 kgs of towels to their depot in Gqebertha.

The consignment arrived at Stuttaford van Lines based in Greenbushes this week, and were collected by Wendy Dreyer from SANParks Honorary Rangers Addo Region and delivered to a grateful SANCCOBS

Black Eagle Project Roodekrans says a huge thank you to everybody involved in this initiative!!!

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

Winter is coming. Another chilly, windy morning, but our Monitors endured it. Had some problems putting up our Gazebo in the wind, but managed.
Not much action this morning. Mahlori gave Makatsa a "break" at about 09.30. She stayed off the nest for an hour, enjoying some Sun and some flying. Came back to the nest, allowing Mahlori to fly off and settle in a tree on the East Ridge. Naomi Corinaldi was able to take these photos.
We were surprised by the number of Vistors this morning, all enquiring about the Eagles and wanting to see them through the Telescopes we provide. A couple of large Groups as well as Schools interested. Well, that's what we're there for.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.

07/05/2026

Large Spotted Genet caught on camera trap in Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

06/05/2026

Not a pleasant day for the Monitors on duty. Still cold from the previous night, with the threat of rain at any moment. After a cold and wet night, Makatsa flew off the nest to absorb some of the little Sun that there was. Mahlori decided to join her in the Sun and they decided a little "bonding" would be nice.
The Perrigrine Falcon is still persistent with annoying attacks, but shrugged off by Mahlori.
After a few minutes, Makatsa returned to the nest to keep the Eggs warm. Mahlori decided to join Makatsa on the nest for a short while, but didn't stay too long before flying off again.
All this action was, once again, captured by Naomi Corinaldi, on her camera.

Posted by Dougie Crewe.