My Courteney Adventure:
Matobo Black Eagles - by Colin Gillies

I live in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, near the Matobo Hills where the Black Eagle or Verreaux's Eagle occurs in the greatest concentration of any single large eagle species in the world.  Considered so important that a black eagle survey begun as a population and breeding study in the Matobo Hills some 45 years ago continues today, and is believed to be the longest
running study of a large raptor in the world.  I have been privileged to be part of this survey as a member of Birdlife Zimbabwe.

If you haven't visited the Matobo Hills, and especially spent a day walking there, you cannot imagine the rugged grandeur, with boulder balanced on boulder as if placed by a playful giant, or appreciate just how rough and inhospitable is the terrain.  Most often getting to a good observation post involves a long and difficult walk and climb.  I always wear my Courteneys.

As observers we undertake to make a minimum of one visit every month to each nest under observation, with the frequency of these visits increasing during the breeding season.  Nest sites, with few exceptions, are built on rock ledges or recesses in rock faces and typically consist of dry sticks and leaf sprays.  Extreme satisfaction is achieved studying a nest that produces a chick, and watching it through to the fledgling stage.

I intend to continue this survey for as long as circumstances and conditions allow.  It is one of the most rewarding personal contributions I can make to these magnificent birds for which I have so much admiration.

Colin Gillies
Past Chairman Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe (Matabeleland Branch)
Immediate Past Vice President Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe (National Body)
Twice recipient Ted Hyson Award for environmental contributions in Zimbabwe
Author "Kariba into the Millenium"

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