Martial eagles are incredible birds of prey that soar high above the ground, so high that they can be difficult or impossible to see, and swoop down to capture their prey.
Rachel Chapman caught this eagle on camera with the carcass of a guinea fowl it had likely brought down itself, but in coming down to earth the large bird appeared to be trapped there.
Watch Now:
Suffering From Success
Despite its current predicament, this eagle appeared to have had a very successful day, managing to bring down a guinea fowl, a large bird with plenty of meat for the eagle to work its way though over time.
Of course, if the bird was going to get the time to safely eat its captured prey it first needed to get it somewhere safe, where other predators wouldn’t be able to steal it, and leave the eagle with nothing for all of its hard work.
The eagle appeared to have brought down the guinea fowl on an open plain, which meant there was no where the eagle could retreat to for cover, but it also meant that it would be able to see any other threats of thieves coming.
Weighing Up Those Options
Many other predators are attracted to the sounds of a fight, as depending on what is hunting and being hunted, they might be able to steal scraps of the spoils for themselves with minimal effort.
Knowing this, the eagle must have been aware that its options were to either eat its fill quickly and leave the rest for scavengers, or try and transport the guinea fowl to a location where it could enjoy the meal at its leisure, or even use it to feed young.
For a hungry eagle, one of these options was clearly better than the other. After looking around to make sure there were no immediate threats in the area, and the eagle seized the carcass in its strong talons, spread its wings and took to the sky.
Skimming The Top Of The Grass
Perhaps saying it took to the sky was a little optimistic. It was certainly flying, but despite the effort it was putting into its wingbeats, it wasn’t really going up.
Instead, the heavily laden eagle managed to pull of a long distance hop, aided by its wings, skimming over the top of the grass before having to put its prey and claws back onto the ground so it could push off again.
The guinea fowl didn’t look particularly big when compared to the bird of prey, but it might have been a particularly dense bird, or maybe the eagle just pushed off poorly the first time.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Struggling To Soar
Martial eagles are soaring birds, which means that they spend most of their time in the air using the currents of warm and cool air to stay aloft and cover large distances without needing to continuously flap their wings.
The trick to soaring is to get high enough for these air currents to make a difference in the first place, and that was where this eagle was struggling. If it could get high enough off the ground it would be able to fly as normal.
The eagle’s second pushoff looked to be more successful than the first, but the eagle was still coasting low to the ground when it exited the frame of the camera. Hopefully it was able to get the carcass somewhere safe, it would definitely need the energy of a good meal after carrying it.
Neglected Senior Pup Finally Learns What Love Feels Like After He Meets His New Family
For the past ten years of his life, all Conrad, a senior Beagle, knew was neglect and abuse.
He was found in horrific shape in one of the city shelters, completely shut down from everything.
Despite his situation being vague, Conrad’s shape spoke for itself. He was severely malnourished, had rotten teeth, and was deeply depressed. This skin-and-bones dog knew nothing but suffering for the last decade, but all that was about to change within days!
Conrad’s Heartbreaking Backstory
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad was on the way to being euthanized by the shelter he was found in when the Beagle Freedom Project team, from Los Angeles, California, came across his story.
After ten long years in a home where he knew nothing but neglect, Conrad ended up being a shelter dog with zero chance for a new start. But, the BFP team acted timely!
In coordination with their partnering rescue groups, Beagle Freedom Project took Conrad in, ready to give him the transformation of a lifetime.
In the video posted by this Californian rescue, Kait, the social media manager, explains that this senior boy hasn’t had an easy life.
“This poor boy is in horrific condition. As you can see he is severely emaciated, he’s skin and bone, his hips are sticking out, his spine is sticking out, he has extremely dry skin,” Kait, BFP’s social media manager, says in the video.
However, thanks to the community and his amazing caregivers, Conrad was given a new chance in no time.
After weeks of care, TLC, and dental surgery, Conrad finally found a glimmer of hope that things might eventually end well!
The Most Wonderful News
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
Conrad’s incredible transformation took everyone by surprise!
Despite all odds, this senior boi showed remarkable spirit and resilience, which eventually resulted in his speedy recovery!
“We are excited to share that after a month of intensive care, healthy meals, and dental surgery, Conrad is feeling much better. He is finding joy in life again— exploring, playing, and even digging through the trash like a typical beagle,” the rescue wrote in an update post.
Source: Beagle Freedom Project
But, that wasn’t about it for sweet Conrad. In the same post, the rescue announced the greatest update about this lovely dog. After spending a few meaningful weeks in a new foster home, his dad couldn’t help but go all in for Conrad!
Instead of helping him find a new home, Conrad’s foster decided to make him a permanent member of the family.
“His incredible foster dad fell in love with him and decided to ADOPT him. Conrad has a forever family,” the rescue added.
After a lifetime of neglect and abuse, Conrad will finally have a nice, cozy home and a family to love him. And, that’s pretty much everything he had been looking for this entire time.
We wish you the best golden years of your life, sweet boi!
Be the first to comment on this article!