The morning was calm and humid when I decided to trade a holiday break party for an morning adventure.
Instead of joining my friends for a toast to the night before, I got up early at 5:30 a.m. and, with my camera in hand, walked toward the trail at Sítio Javali, in Viana, Espírito Santo.
My goal was simple yet challenging: to find and photograph the beauty that only nature can offer.
Espírito Santo holds incredible scenes within its forests, and that morning, one of these wonders was about to reveal itself to me.
The Trail
I entered the trail at 6 a.m., alone, in complete silence, surrounded by the humidity of the forest and the soft sound of birds starting their day.
The light was still dim, and the first photos I took were just records, without the technical quality I strive for as a nature photographer.
At that moment, I felt torn between two sides: the naturalist, satisfied with documenting each species I encountered, and the photographer, always in search of an image worthy of being printed in a book.
It wasn’t until I decided to climb the hill, searching for better light, that everything changed.
The Encounter with the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle
At the top of the hill, the light opened up, and there, in a leafless tree, was the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus), perched on a nearby branch. It looked directly at me but didn’t seem to see me as a threat.
I stood still, camera in hand, capturing every moment. The morning light highlighted the colors of its plumage, and the blue sky provided the perfect background.
I took several photos and even a video while it remained majestic on its perch.
The photo of this encounter captured the beauty of the species, with its white chest plumage, dark wings, and stylish crest.
It was one of those moments when everything aligns: the light, the composition, and the behavior of the animal, which rewards us with its trust.
But these photographs carry a message that goes beyond beauty.
Eagles in Espírito Santo
Though commonly known as the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle, the Spizaetus melanoleucus is actually an eagle.
It belongs to the same group of powerful and majestic birds of prey, which includes iconic species such as the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), one of the largest and strongest eagles in the world, and the Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus).
Eagles are apex predators in their ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining nature’s balance.
The presence of the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle in the forests of Espírito Santo is an indicator that these environments still have the resources to support top predators like it, but its survival depends on the preservation of these areas.
Beauty and Vulnerability
Seeing it so close, admiring its beauty and looking into its eyes, made me reflect on its vulnerability.
Like so many other species, it depends on the conservation of its habitat to survive, and the forests around it are under constant threat.
In Espírito Santo, regions like the Duas Bocas Biological Reserve and its surroundings still provide refuge for these birds. But for how long?
Deforestation, hunting, and climate change directly impact their chances of survival.
Every photo I take is a reminder of the importance of protecting what we still have.
Protection Through Photography
Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s a way to raise awareness.
Every image tells a story and, at the same time, inspires. This photo of the Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle is an invitation to take a closer look at the natural wealth of Espírito Santo and the urgent need to preserve it.
Proud to Be from Espírito Santo
If you’re from Espírito Santo, share this natural wonder of our state with your friends.
If you’re from elsewhere, come birdwatching in Espírito Santo. I’m sure you’ll love our natural beauty.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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