Scroll down for another 2
photos
Digiscoped with Swarovski AT80HD +
Nikon 990
Here is an globally endangered raptor, the Grey-headed Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga
ichthyaetus). Size 61-74 cm (24 - 30 in). Large size eagle with short broad
wings and short round tail. Mantle, breast and wings brown contrasting
with pale grey head. White thighs and lower belly and undertail coverts.
Occurs in India through South-East Asia to the Greater Sundas, Sulawesi and
the Philippines. Resident in Pen. Malaysia at low elevations, principally in
freshwater lakes with nearby forests south to Singapore where it is rare.
According to Dr. Wells' estimate, there are about 40 pairs remaining in Pen.
Malaysia. Encroaching developments around these lakes might spell doom for
these raptors.
Photo was taken at Bukit Merah, just over an hour's drive from Ipoh. I saw one
pair at this lake and this one had just caught a fish in the shallow water. It
was its third attempt pouncing into the water from a shallow tree stump
in the lake before it caught the fish. It took the fish back to its perch and
and a short while later flew into the nearby forest with it.
