Circaetus fasciolatus

I first recorded this near-threatened snake-eagle in September 2011 in Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu, Kenya.

My guide, Jonathan and I were heading back into the forest (after seeing crab plovers at Mida Creek) when he suddenly stopped the car and pointed excitedly to the left. There in front of us, framed against an overcast sky, was this beautiful eagle sitting on a dead tree. We watched it, for what seemed ages, before it flew off. What an incredible moment!