Object play of an immature Martial Eagle <i>Polemaetus bellicosus</i>

Abstract

On 15 July 2008 at 08:10 I observed an immature Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus exhibiting object play in the Letaba River near Letaba Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. The bird was standing in the river bed for a while, appearing to stare at an object not too far away from it. It even bobbed its head to get a better view. The bird then took off and flew about 20 m before extending its legs and talons and "striking" a bolus of elephant dung.