Harpy Eagle

Harpy Eagles (Harpia Harpyja) are amongst the world's largest and powerful eagles. They live in the rainforest of Central- and South-America, preferring large areas of uninterrupted forest. But due to habitat loss and slow reproduction we can classify this powerful and beautiful bird as near threatened.

Luckily there are still places where we can enjoy seeing the Harpy Eagle. Kabalebo is one of these places where I've seen these beauties countless times, sometimes even 3 times in one week. As Kabalebo is an area surrounded by mostly primary forest, it is no wonder that we can see this bird quite often. 
The last time that I've seen this large bird of prey, before writing this article, was on July 2, 2014 near the lodge. Just across the Kabalebo river I've noticed a strange looking silhouette in one of the trees. My first thought was that it was a Black Spider Monkey (Ateles paniscus), but seconds later it started to shake it's head sideways. No doubt about it .... it was the Harpy Eagle as they always shake their heads sideways when they are looking at us. 
I don't know how long it was there sitting in that tree, but that didn't matter. It stayed for at least 35 minutes before moving on. 

We had eye-to-eye contact. From time to time it was shaking it's head sideways.

Harpy Eagles are hunting carnivores and because they prefer forest canopies they more likely hunt on tree dwelling animals. Sloths, opossums, monkeys, macaws and iguanas are mostly favorite on their menu list. 
Being feared by many makes that the Harpy Eagle is also on top of the food chain. 

This one was spotted next to the Kabalebo river, not in the highest tree. It sure wears an impressive 'uniform'.

Even though they can be easily spotted in Kabalebo, I still haven't seen a Harpy Eagle nest nearby. I guess that they have their nest in huge trees (Kapok trees) growing in mountain areas as they prefer forest canopies. 

This one was spotted on July 2, 2014.

And then it took off. Beautiful!