Tuesday 21 June 2016

The Short-toed Snake Eagle

Hello again! Well, I had a wonderful two week reunion with my friend, and a fabulous Sunday birthday lunch with all the family, but as always it's good to be back with my blogging friends and today I would like to share the beautiful Short-toed Snake Eagle.


The Short-toed Snake Eagle  ( Circaetus  gallicus )
 



The eagle didn't bathe, just stood in the water,  his watchful eyes surveying the area for snakes. It uses a range of habitats, from fairly dense forest, to open woodland, to arid grasslands, but generally prefers mixed habitat that combines open areas rich in reptile prey.
 

It's a medium sized eagle. Those present on the northern edge of the Mediterranean and other parts of Europe, migrate mainly to sub-Saharan Africa, north of the equator, leaving in Sept/Oct, and returning in April/May. In the Middle and Far East the populations are resident. 

This is only the second time I have seen the Short-toed Eagle. In Europe, it is most numerous in Spain, where it is fairly common, but here in Portugal the numbers are small, and it is mostly seen in Sagres,  Cabranosa, and in the mountainous Alenteijo region, and other mountainous regions
 

It's prey as it's name suggests, is mostly reptiles, mainly snakes, but also some lizards.
 

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAYS
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D RATHER B BIRDIN

39 comments:

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

WOW! These are ALL stunning photographs. Thanks for sharing.

Joyful said...

Beautiful photos. I really like all of them but the first one is especially nice because of all the feather detail. Have a great rest of your week!

Small City Scenes said...

Oh my what a beautiful Raptor. The quality of your work is excellent. Thank you.
MB

eileeninmd said...

Hello, awesome photos of this Short-toed Snake Eagle. I hope it found something to eat. Sounds like you enjoyed your time away. Have a happy day and week ahead!

Christine said...

These are incredible shots of a very beautiful bird! The sharpness of your photos is brilliant!
Glad you had a fun time, welcome back!

TexWisGirl said...

incredibly beautiful shots!

Linda said...

What gorgeous and stunning captures of this beautiful and fascinating bird!

Michelle said...

That first shot really shows the gorgeous feathers!

Russell Jenkins said...

What a beauty. Stunning pictures.

susan said...

very impressive shots

LEN said...

Fabulous pics.When and where did you take them?

betty-NZ said...

What a gorgeous creature! Those eyes are fantastic to see and you photographed him so well.

Adam Jones said...

Brilliant pictures. I've never seen this bird before, so thank you for sharing.

Teresa said...

Esta preciosa. Me alegra que lo hayas pasado bien. Muchos besos.

Stuart Price said...

Great looking bird..........

Unknown said...

Fantastic captures! What a magnificent bird!

Phil Slade said...

Simply stunning pictures. Goodness me, I could never hope to get so close to any raptor like that, never mind a Short-toed Eagle.

matti niilola said...

Wow. Unbelievably great photos. I liked very much.

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Wow!!!.. What beautiful portraits.. Fantastic!!!

hmuxo said...

I'm so impressed with your photography !!!! I would love to paint this beautiful bird!!!!!! And I'm so glad you had a wonderful time away!!

Inspired By June said...

Gorgeous captures! Stunning bird!

Bob Bushell said...

Absolutely stunning of the Short-toed Eagle, love them.

Stephanie said...

Oh the eyes! My goodness so yellow. But really good photography :) Enjoy the day.

Debbie said...

beautiful, beautiful close up images!! and those eyes, wow!!! i don't think i have ever seen an eagle like this!!!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Beautiful shots of a formidable raptor. This individual was pretty cooperative for you, and you took full advantage of the opportunity with your camera. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Stewart M said...

Now that is a serious looking bird!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

NatureFootstep said...

wow, that is a great bird. And such good photographs. Love the first one :)

MadSnapper said...

and another Wow on this post. I have never even heard the name snake eagle. amazing pics

A Colorful World said...

I've never seen one! And he is just beautiful. Great photos!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I just love these eagle shots. Awesome post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Ohmydearests said...

absolutely awesome shots! have a beautiful weekend!

carol l mckenna said...

What a beautiful bird and fantastic photography!

Happy Day and Weekend to you ~ ^_^

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Sonija; Oh My, What GORGEOUS 'Short-toed Snake Eagle'. I've never seen an eagle p:-)
Happy for your wonderful birthday♪

Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in Portugal, xoxo Miyako*

Linda said...

What bright eyes! He's welcome to the snakes.

Anni said...

I'm back....and enjoyed the photos a 2nd time. Wow. So impressive are your images of the eagle.

Thanks so much for stopping by to share this post with all us birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' this week. It's always appreciated.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Great shots!

I haven't heard of them before. There's a bit of an owlish look to the face, with those eyes.
~

Connie Smiley said...

Fantastic photos of that beautiful bird! It almost looks too good to be real.

Helma said...

Very nice to read that you had two great weeks with your friend and also to celebrate your birthday :-)
Also, I'm glad you're back again and ohwwww ....... what a wonderful beautiful pictures of this snake eagle !! Wonderful to see!
My compliments.

Greetings, Helma

miss-cherry said...

Cudowne fotografie.

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