Camera: Nikon Z9

Lens: Nikon 500mm 5.6 PF

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter speed: 1/1250

ISO: 640

Description: This majestic martial eagle, the largest in Africa, with an Impala kill was a very lucky and amazing sighting.

Story from behind the lens: Our guide was excellent in spotting the martial eagle well hidden in the shrubs and in the shade. We thought the eagle will fly away when we get closer but it did not move. We realised this majestic raptor was protecting what appeared to be a fresh impala kill. This image shows the eagle staring at us perched on the prey. After a few minutes, as if to divert our attention from the prey, the eagle walked away and perched on a mound nearby. We thereafter rushed to see a leopard some distance away. When we came back the eagle and the impala were gone. Easy to guess what happened. I was very lucky to witness what we have heard about this raptor; that they can kill small animals and antelopes. The image shows streaks of blood on its beak possibly from the hunt. We could also see lot more blood on its powerful talons when it walked away. I heard that their numbers are dwindling and need continuing conservation efforts.