© Alex McLean
Alex McLean
Field guide & photographer
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My name is Alex McLean, field guide and photographer, who splits my time between Africa, Europe and Australia. Birding was something that crept up on me. For most of my life I had little more than a passing interest in birds – and certainly paid less attention to them than I did to other species. The point at which this changed was during my FGASA guide training. Spending time with people who are passionate about birds is infectious. Increasing my own knowledge of birds, their behaviours and their calls became a pleasure rather than a chore. I am now in the privileged position of taking other people into the bush and there is nothing I enjoy more than helping my guests notice and appreciate the species that they might have previously overlooked.
Martial Eagle
The martial eagle is the largest eagle in Africa and is an impressive hunter. We noticed this eagle on the ground in Lemek Conservancy and tried to get closer to investigate. It took off and flew to a tree, before taking off and flying to another tree with sturdier branches, which is when I managed to get this photo. Throughout, it carrying a baby warthog in a single claw like a toy. Not only does this demonstrate the impressive size and power of the eagle, this photo clearly shows the impressive anatomy of the martial eagle with its long powerful legs, not necessarily what you would expect on a bird.
