Two huge eagles with clasped talons spiralled and tumbled down through the blue sky to the rich green jungle canopy below. Moments before they reached the tree tops they separated and their massive wings lofted them swooping high up again to meet as specks in the sky. This was part of the mating ritual of the pair of white bellied eagles who nested in the trees near our flat in Penang. These magnificent birds mate for life and we often saw them soaring past our balcony on their way to hunt for food.

White Bellied Sea Eagle in full flight.

For a month or so we seldom saw the pair together. Only one would circle on the thermals over the forest to gain height. Then recently we watched the chick being coaxed to hop from tree to tree.

Eagles flying over the jungle

On its first faltering flights one parent flew along side with the other flying high. Occasionally the defending parent dived to drive off harassing Brahminy kites. These rich brown red birds with white heads were much smaller than the eagles but seemed threatened by their presence.

Brahminy Kites, about half the size of the eagles.

As the chick grew and its flying proficiency improved longer soaring flights and sharper turns were practiced. With a parent on each wing tip we were treated to aerobatic formation flying displays.

Brahminy Kites patrols the tree tops

Recently the chick, now just a little smaller than the parents, has embarked on solo forays over the jungle. Amazingly it is still harassed by the kites which are half its size. It is not uncommon for the adolescent chick to be grounded by the kites and to wait in a tree top for a parent to glide over to provide air cover for it to make a short flight to the nest.

Adult eagle protecting the chick

Time will tell how the young bird will react to the kites when it is full grown and in command of the skies over its own hunting grounds. In the meantime we watch with wonder and admiration of these superb birds.