I love finding connections between places I know and love, wether it be an unexpected meeting with the Uzbek landlady of a local bar, a neighbour who went to a wedding in Bishkek or a familiar name. In Kenya these connections can be more difficult to seek unless they literally fly across the road in front of you. Imagine my surprise to find a Kazakh Steppe Eagle in my path!
The steppe eagle, native to Eastern Europe and Central Asia, migrates to Eastern Africa during the winter months. This migration is driven by the search for warmer climates and abundant food sources. The region provides very suitable conditions, including open landscapes and prey availability, making it an ideal wintering ground for these majestic birds. Known for its impressive wingspan, ranging from 6 to 7 feet, and distinctive plumage, the steppe eagle is a formidable and fascinating species that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Eastern Africa provides a diverse habitat for the steppe eagle, offering vast grasslands, savannas, and open landscapes, not dissimilar to the Steppe. These environments are ideal for the bird’s hunting and nesting activities. The steppe eagle undertakes extensive journeys between its breeding grounds and wintering areas. During the breeding season, they nest in elevated locations, such as cliffs or trees, which provide a strategic vantage point for spotting prey and protecting their offspring.
A notable aspect of the steppe eagle’s behavior in Eastern Africa is its feeding habits. As a raptor, the bird relies on its keen eyesight to spot potential prey from great distances. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and occasionally carrion. The hunting strategy often involves soaring at high altitudes, using thermal currents to cover large areas in search of food. Once prey is spotted, the eagle executes impressive aerial maneuvers to capture it.
The relationship between the eagle and its environment is a delicate balance that reflects the bird’s adaptability. In Eastern Africa, where seasonal changes impact the availability of prey, the steppe eagle showcases its ability to adjust its behavior accordingly. During the dry season, when grasslands become parched, the eagle may need to cover greater distances in search of water sources and suitable hunting grounds. The eagle’s nomadic tendencies enable it to navigate these challenges successfully.
The eagle’s presence in Eastern Africa contributes to the ecological equilibrium of the region. By controlling the population of small mammals and birds, the eagle helps maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem. Additionally, the bird’s scavenging behavior plays a crucial role in the disposal of carrion, preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring the overall well-being of the environment.
To see the eagle close up agin but in a foreign land took me back to eagle hunting in Boravoii and the tourists with Eagles on their arms at Shymbulak – who would have thought that two nomads would have met on the plains of Africa!
