At about 13 weeks of age, the young eagle bravely submitted itself to the UKZN Crowned Eagle research programme.
Going where no man has dared go before, Shane hauled himself up to the nest, while keeping a wary watch for defensive parents and threatening neighbours.
Gently bagged and lowered to the ground, the eaglet was weighed, measured and ringed by Shane, assisted by fearless Patrick.
Careful as he was to avoid those fierce talons, Patrick suffered one puncture.
Returned to the nest in half an hour, with only a few ruffled feathers, Esther settled down and by next morning the whole episode was put in the past as she got on with her next meal.
Data gathered by Shane for his research programme will help in the conservation and protection of this magnificent bird.
