I didn’t notice the White-bellied Sea-Eagle this morning until a raft of coots exploded into motion and tore across the water like mad little motor boats. The eagle was
about five metres above the lake and climbing. A flock of Silver Gulls pursued it as it flew north but broke off and wafted back to the lake when the chase headed west. As I brought the binoculars to bear, I saw two Magpie Larks swooping at the eagle. At
the nadir of their swoops they hovered close to the raptor as if they were about to land on its back. Two Magpies sped towards the eagle, chased away the peewees then harassed Brer Eagle until all receded from view.
John Layton
Holt.
