Wedge Tail Eagle

Wedge Tail Eagle

Check out this welded metal sculpture of a wedge tailed eagle, which can be seen on the banks of the Barcoo River in Blackall, Western Queensland. Isn’t it a majestic piece of artwork? As one examines this, one is tempted to think that the nest is a little too large. Think again. Wedge Tail Eagles build the most amazingly huge and messy nests of loosely configured sticks. These nests can be up to 1.5 metres wide, and 3 metres deep, and are found precariously perched high above the landscape on the top of trees or escarpments.

These magnificent birds of prey are quite common in mainland Australia, and can frequently be seen soaring high above the plains, or standing guard over their prey, which often is remnant road kill carcasses. They also eat small mammals (e.g. possums, lambs, foxes, cats) or reptiles (e.g. snakes and lizards). The birds are a sandy brown – black colour, and have quite a regal presence, just as this sculpture does. If you are passing through Blackall, detour from the main road West to the Barcoo River Bridge to view this magnificent art work.