Wedge-tailed Eagle: a messy eater

On 2 September I took the small dog for a short walk down to the creek (don't worry: despite the title to this post she came back).  As we approached the trees in that area the Australian Magpies were kicking up a fuss, making me think a raptor was perched in one of the trees.  However looking across the creek on to the direct seeded area there was a magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle standing between a couple of acacias ripping into something on the ground. Its nape, mantle and wing-coverts were a rich chestnut while the lower plumage was close to black: this mixture makes me think it was a well advanced immature bird.

I have heard that an eagle on the ground can be a cause for concern as a side effect of a poison.  However this bird appeared very active and, without binoculars in very good condition: it was clearly eating.  One of the magpies took off and swooped the Eagle (good to see a species other than H. sapiens take a hit) which carried on eating.  I tried to get closer but it spotted me and took off, carrying its lunch.

A horde of at least 6 magpies now started to harass it, with one so close it looked almost as though it was riding on the Eagle's back.  This caused the Eagle to drop the lunch and just keep going.  I went to look at where it had been dining and found a metre-diameter circle of bunny fur and a few meaty bits and pieces.  Well done Eagle: there are probably only a few more hundred to go!

Here is an image of the circle of fluff.
I suspect the centre of the circle - the area devoid of fluff indicates the area occupied by the Eagle, making it about a metre long.  As I said, magnificent.

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