Tim writes: Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) are a bit smaller than Golden Eagles and breed across the desert steppes of Central Asia but migrate south to winter in sub-Saharan Africa, India and Southeast Asia. Huge numbers pass through certain places on migration, such as the Middle East and Nepal, and its name (nipalensis) refers to Nepal.
They feed largely on carrion and are now suffering from the veterinary use of the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac just like vultures.
I photographed this individual as it flew low overhead on the Tibetan Plateau. The white stripes on the wings and tail identify this as a young (first year) bird. This was about as close as I could get to a wild eagle while still keeping it in the frame.
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