I recently had an incredible sighting of a Martial Eagle in the northern parts of the reserve. It was peacefully perched on a dead tree, unwavering and looking magnificent.

For me, the Martial Eagle is one of those birds that catches and commands my attention for a while and this particular sighting was no different.

This was how we found the magnificent Eagle. Poised and waiting for a chance to hunt an unsuspecting prey.

Martial Eagles are a prolific predatory bird and I really enjoy the meaning and translation of their scientific name:

Polemaetus Bellicosus

Polemos is Greek for war/battle and aetus translates to eagle

Bellicus is the Latin meaning for ‘”of war” and so Bellicosus means war-like.

This could explain my fascination with the Martial Eagle whenever one appears at Londolozi. Perhaps it is their sheer size, perhaps it is the power they possess, or maybe it is simply the presence they have. A war-like bird will certainly grab even the non-birders attention!

Whatever the reason, seeing a Martial Eagle never feels like an ordinary bird sighting because they are Africa’s largest eagle. With a wingspan that can exceed two metres, they are unmistakable when they take to the sky. Their broad wings and powerful flight make them look almost effortless as they circle above the bushveld, looking for prey that is up to 6km away!

If you look carefully near the talons of this Eagle, it’s finishing off the remains of a monitor lizard, one of their favourite prey.

And they are incredibly capable predators. A Martial Eagle is powerful enough to take mammals such as impala and baboons as well as large reptiles. Their enormous talons and strong feet are perfectly adapted for this. Watching one hunting is a reminder that, although birds can sometimes seem delicate from a distance, this is a formidable predator sitting at the top of the food chain.

A lovely view of the large and sharp talons that are capable of picking up surprisingly big prey.

But what fascinates me most is what happens when the eagle isn’t soaring up above or hunting. Often, you will find a Martial Eagle sitting quietly in the highest tree in the area. It might spend hours there, completely still, looking out over the landscape.

There is something about that image that has always stuck with me. A huge eagle sitting above the bushveld, barely moving, while everything below continues as normal. Zebra graze, elephants move through the woodland and birds call from the surrounding trees, while the eagle simply watches.

The speckled chest and stomach as well as the dark crest on the head of a Martial Eagle is distinguished. Such a striking bird of the African savannah.

Martial Eagles are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. A breeding pair will establish a territory and build an enormous nest, usually in one of the largest and tallest trees available. Over time, these nests can become huge structures, that even a human being could comfortably sit in, built up year after year as the pair adds new material.

Their breeding season is another reason why this time of year can be particularly exciting for sightings. In southern Africa, breeding activity can extend through the cooler months, and March to August is an important period to keep an eye out for an active nest.

There is something special about finding a pair together around one of these enormous nests. The nest itself can be almost as impressive as the birds. Perched high above the ground, it is a reminder of just how much investment goes into raising the next generation. For a species that produces relatively few young, every successful breeding attempt matters. Its a good idea to take a walk around the base of the tree where the nest is built as large feathers can be found as well as skulls belonging to the unfortunate prey animals!

And that matters because Martial Eagles are becoming increasingly rare. The species is classified as Endangered in South Africa, with their numbers having declined significantly over the years. Habitat changes, persecution, poisoning and collisions with infrastructure have all contributed to their decline.

Watching this large raptor take flight is a breath taking experience as it flaps its massive wings and soars over the landscape below.

This makes every sighting feel that little bit more significant. At Londolozi, we are incredibly fortunate to still encounter these birds regularly. Yet even here, I never take a Martial Eagle for granted.

There is often a moment when you first spot one. A large shape sitting on the very top of a distant tree. You lift the binoculars. The familiar dark back, spotted breast and powerful hooked bill come into focus. And then you realise just how big it actually is. Perhaps that is what keeps drawing me back to them.

One of my favourite snaps of a Martial Eagle flying overhead.

For me, that is what makes the Martial Eagle such a special creature. It is one of those species that reminds us that the bushveld is not only about the animals that are constantly moving. Sometimes the most memorable sightings come from simply looking up and noticing what has been watching us all along.