Looking up at the two birds, I recognised the Kori Bustard from its enormous wingspan, but could not immediately see what was following closely behind it. The Kori landed less than 30 metres from us and within moments the second bird, a Martial Eagle, flew directly at it.
The Kgalagadi is known for its amazing variety of raptors and large terrestrial birds and it is home to one of Africa’s largest eagles, the Martial Eagle (an Endangered species), and the continent’s largest flying bird, the Kori Bustard (Near Threatened).
What followed during the next 50 minutes was a contest that left us almost breathless. On the one hand was the Kori, a warrior standing its ground in battle-ready mode, wings widespread, tail up and head held low and tucked in, only to suddenly sway to the leftor right at the last second to avoid the lethal talons heading straight for it. On the other was an experienced raptor that knew exactly what to do and executed its plan step by step until it achieved the desired result.
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