Ithemba makes use of pools of water after the rains
In the heat following the rains, Ithemba has managed to find a way to cool off.
After some heavy rain swept through Roodepoort, several puddles of water collected among the rocks in the botanical gardens, forming the perfect playground for Ithemba.
Ithemba has proven that the ‘kids will be kids’ mantra is not only relevant to humans, it’s relevant to eagles as well. The welcome rains that we received a week or so ago formed several puddles of water on the rock ledge, and Makatsa and Thulane swiftly pointed this out to the youngster, Ithemba.
It didn’t take Ithemba long at all to discover the fun that was in store by dancing and prancing about in the various puddles. According to Black Eagle Project Roodekrans photographer Johann van den Berg, Ithemba’s fun day was quite the sight to behold.
“It was so funny to watch the antics. Ithemba settled in the water, had a good bath, and then got out. After a few moments it decided this was fun, and got back in the water again. This ritual lasted for almost an hour before it finally flew off to settle on a branch to dry off,” Johann said.
Johann also stated that the “current breeding season has been most successful, and we are expecting the normal aggression towards the youngster to start towards the end of November”. This aggression acts as training and preparation for Ithemba’s life after the nest, which he is expected to leave towards the end of December.
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