Photo of the week: White-bellied Sea Eagles – Brady Swamp, Victoria

The white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is a spectacular bird of prey, and thanks to the major flow down the Wannon River late last year, a pair was spotted by NGT’s Lachlan Farrington at Brady Swamp. The birds were subsequently photographed by Rod Bird of the Hamilton Field Naturalists Club. Although more commonly seen along the coast, the species is also known to be associated with inland waterbodies.

Adult White-bellied Sea Eagle at Brady Swamp. 16th December 2016. Photograph by Rod Bird.

Immature White-bellied Sea Eagle at Brady Swamp. 16th December 2016. Photograph by Rod Bird.

As well as being protected under the federal EPBC Act 1999, the species is also listed as Threatened under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988), with possibly fewer than 100 breeding pairs remaining in the state. On the 2007 advisory list of threatened vertebrate fauna in Victoria, the white-bellied sea eagle is listed as vulnerable.

Thanks to Rod for sharing these fantastic shots!