Thanks for posting that Judy! I too got that letter after sending out emails to them. I am printing those pictures and framing them to hang up in my computer room. Mbuso was such a handsome fellow! Hard to believe this season is over with our beautiful black eagles. Can't wait till next season now!!!!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT
ROODEKRANS
A NEWS PAGE FOR SUPPORTERS
Reg.No. 99/2657/08 PBO No. 930024143
September 2011
The juvenile has taken its maiden flight! With much anticipation early on the 31st August, Mbuso flaps his wings, he moves from one side of the nest to the other and looks down and ponders… then moves back to the safety of the crevice of the rocks and hops up onto the side, where he perches for awhile contemplating whether it is time to leave what has been his home for the last 3 months. He decides it is time and once back on the nest flaps his wings furiously, moving to the edge of the nest-cup he lunges forward…airborne…he can fly. He lands to the right of the waterfall amongst the rocks as his parents circle above, his heart beating…he has done it … he has left his nest.
His parents watch from above and will reward him with a tasty morsel once he has been able to get himself up onto the safety of ridge away from danger; they call to him to encourage him to try again to move from where he has landed.
Two weeks later – there’s no stopping Mbuso now as he soars with his parents catching the thermals and chasing the crows. He will now learn his survival skills for the next 3months before being chased from the natal bowl by Tulani.
Mbuso means “Freedom”
And yes he is a male!
Unfortunately, the Bafana Story had to be cancelled only 15 people booked and also I was in hospital really ill. I would like to do it again when I am well enough so don’t worry those of you that booked just keep a look out for the advertisement. It is really important theses events are supported otherwise it is not worth having them so do try to attend the next time round, Dr. Gardiner is an excellent speaker and it is interesting to hear his medical explanation on why this happened and the operation details.
There was a documentary on 50/50 about Bafana’s rehabilitation recently which was excellent and the good work Lapalala do. Jess and Pat have given me a small clip on CD to show at the talk when we do it again. Once again we must thank all involved in getting Bafana back to good health… he now roams the skies high above the Waterberg … free!
The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans is looking for a sponsor to do a fundraising event; we desperately need to raise funds for the project. Should you be interested please contact Tony Yoko who arranges our events and kindly gives of his time free of charge. Tony arranged the picnic concerts for Sappi in the garden for 10 years therefore has many years of experience in this field and has arranged all our previous functions for us free of charge. This is a great opportunity for a corporate to market their company and Tony does an exceptional job of putting together a fantastic evening. Tony’s email address yoko@icon.co.za
Once again we are asking for donations - any size donation it really doesn’t matter we are just so grateful. The situation is really very dire and appeal to you our supporters. Times are tough and we at the project have noticed it very much this year – we too are battling but need your support to keep going. If you know of someone who may be able to help please pass this on to them. We have achieved so much and saved over 100 hectares of precious hunting habitat from development but need finance to do this. Please consider this seriously.
The Sugarbush Estate Case is continuing and it looks as if it could be going to review very soon. At last.
Our Attorney’s are still working hard on the Proteadal Development and it is looking promising that the developer will have to draw up new plans. There were certainly lots of discrepancies in the original submission. Let’s see if it gets chucked out!!
Well folks that’s it for now…take care and be careful on the roads they are a nightmare!!
Kind Regards
Libby
Project Coordinator
Black Eagle Project Roodekrans Inc.
First National Bank
Randridge 255-955
Acc No 62108581043
Email: verreaux@mweb.co.za proof of deposit

Posted on Facebook October 5....

Black Eagle Project Roodekrans

Mbuso is doing well and enjoying flying with the adults birds - already he is quite an clever at dodging the crows who like to mob him.

I've been a little lax in posting updates on Mbuso, but I have some now!

These images are by Tanya Becker from October 9, 2011 of Mbuso in flight.





This one is of one of the adults and Mbuso in the nest...



Click bigger

These were taken by Dave Moffat October 11, 2011

Emoyeni in flight. Ain't she purty?



Emoyeni and Mbuso right after she got done feeding him...



October 14, 2011, also by Dave Moffat of Mbuso sitting in his favorite spot on the ridge. He's gotten so big!



Again, click bigger

nightowl....I'm so glad that you found and posted these fabulous pictures! I really enjoyed seeing where the nest is. I never knew that it was sort of clinging to the side of a cliff. That last one of Mbuso by himself really makes him look "eagley"...not a baby any more, Emoyeni really is gorgeous in flight!!

Nightowl I'm so glad you posted those pictures of Mbuso and that he is well and flying strong.

PE and Judy, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos of Mbuso and Emoyeni.

He definitely has lost those baby looks and yep, looks eagle-y now! And Emyoeni is absolutely bee-u-tee-full for a 40 year old eagle, too. Hard to believe that gorgeous girl is middle-aged!

I'll keep you posted if I find any more photos of the family.