Photographer: Dušan Brinkhuizen   Destination: Panama

It’s an established fact that any person who turns their nose up at a whale or an owl is simply a bad human being. Certain animals have undeniable, universal appeal. They speak to us, even if they actually do not. This regal raptor is one of the best such examples in the avian kingdom, and there are a good bunch attending nests right now.

Hawks and eagles (family Accipitridae) are spellbinding. Maybe it is their swift, rocket-like dives, and surprise attacks. Or perhaps it is their stern expression and intense presence, resulting from their piercing gaze, supraloral ridge, and the often colorful cere (the fleshy area at the base of the bill, where the nostrils are). Breathing deep, flexing, and stretching one minute, the next they soar high or jet off low, seeking prey. Oh, to be an eagle for a day… Can you imagine?

The Harpy Eagle, this month’s feature, looms ever enormous in our minds. Among Earth’s most powerful raptors and being a forest eagle, it has a relatively short wingspan for its weight, which suits its hunting style. Dropping from the upper canopy, it dodges between tree limbs, around lianas, and under bromeliads to seize a monkey, a sloth, or a great squawking macaw. Few have seen such an attack in life, but opportunities do exist for the lucky among us. Nesting up high in lofty kapok trees, these majestic predators can be well appreciated while remaining undisturbed by visitors. In fact, visitors and especially eco-tourists are precisely what many conservation organizations would like to see in these vulnerable areas. The Harpy’s nesting cycle requires nearly two years, so once a nest is located, the birds are usually reliable in the area for a good stretch.

At this moment in 2019, nests are known in Brazil (at least three nests), Colombia, and Panama. At the latter site, there are two nests, as well as two (!) Crested Eagle nests, which is arguably an even more difficult bird to see. There are also spectacular spots in Ecuador where Harpy Eagle is seen weekly, and in Guyana we know of nest building Harpy Eagle as well.

Go for your Harpy Eagle now, and just imagine the other treasures you’ll unearth along the way.

Upcoming tours where Harpy Eagle is possible include:

Panama – Budget Darien Extension II
Jul 05 – 12, 2019 (8 days)
Was: USD2,125 Now: USD1,975 *GBP1,506 *EUR1,760 *ZAR29,101

Panama – Budget Darien Extension I
Sep 17 – 23, 2019 (7 days)
Price: USD2,125 *GBP1,620 *EUR1,893 *ZAR31,312

Ecuador – Northern: Ultimate Amazon: Sumaco Foothills & Rio Napo III
Nov 25 – Dec 03, 2019 (9 days)
Price: USD3,400 *GBP2,592 *EUR3,029

Panama – Darien Extension
Feb 29 – Mar 05, 2020 (6 days)
Price: USD2,450 *GBP1,874 *EUR2,181 *ZAR35,731

Guyana – Birds & Wildlife
Dec 01 – 15, 2020 (15 days) 
Price: USD6,900 * GBP5,260 * EUR6,149 * ZAR101,264

We are also able to put together tailored tours, where you will have full control over how you want things to run. If this is something you are interested in, be sure to contact tailormade@rockjumperbirding.com today.