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Thanks again WTM....by what age/stage do the brown feathers and the white beak and legs change color?

I recall that it took them 7 to 8 years to reach this amazing plumage. Will just look it up again to confirm.

Yip, 7 to 8 years it is. Awesome hey?

we wactched this bateleur drop out of the sky like a bullet and catch what appears to be a snake on the side of the road. unbeleivable sighting to have witnessed , only to be spoilt by some idiot who then drove too close to the bird where he was feasting. it also appears as if there is a type of covering(shield) protecting his eyes? could that be? we saw this on the H4 near the picnic spot between Lower Sabie/Skukuza on 29 June 2008.

We were parked on the roadway near Nesamani water close to Satara watching crocs and hippos. Noticed my first Bateleur drinking at the waters edge, a few warthogs were moving to water about 50 yds away when one decided it did'nt like someone sharing this pool.
Unfortunately these are shot at 3-400 yds with a 300mm and 2x extender so the quality is not great.

The bateleur moved away slightly to get a better view
Finally he squared up to the warthog which actually tried to head butt the bird, . The bateleur lifted off about 10 yds, then landed again, the warthog eventually got bored and walked away.

Here are the pictures Yolande has sent me to post for her. I will let her give details on the pictures. They really are stunning, thanks so much for sharing them with us Yolande.

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

Larger view

ID please (video) Never got stills - sorry!

Immature Bateleur

Juvenile Bateleur seen behind Shingwedzi

Yip, that's a juvenile Bateleur!

Cheers all, I've been lurking here reading fascinating stories and enjoying beautiful pictures. Thanks all!

I visited last September Kalahari, and was able to spot quite a number of birds, but I'm not quite sure about this raptor (though I have my doubts ). You sure can help me.

That's an immature Bateleur.

Hi

On the 9th of December we saw this juvenile bateleur on the Sweni road close to Satara. It was sitting on the ground and proceeded to lean over backwards Has anybody else seen this behaviour. Does anybody know the reason for this. It did this for a couple of minutes and then preened it self and flew and perched in a nearby tree
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/33728400@N03www.flickr.com/photos/33728400@N03/

Saw this beauty at bobejaanskraans

Hi from Ngwenya. Had this lovely sighting yesterday. Need help identifying please



More photos available if needed. Matthys can get hold of me. Thanks

Tilandi-That is a Juv bataluer