Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Eagle pursuit and attack!

Seward, Alaska

While enjoying the rare sun at Fourth of July Beach, I observed two immature and one adult BALD EAGLE effortlessly circling higher and higher overhead. What a beautiful sight against the blue sky and snowy mountains!

After a while, I heard the wild screeching of a BALD EAGLE over the bay. I glanced over in time to catch the quick drama of an immature Bald Eagle in hot pursuit of an adult hauling off a freshly caught cod.

As the powerful adult stroked away, the hungry youngster caught up and extended its sharp talons, determined to steal the fish. The adult continued swearing, flapping furiously, and held on tightly to its prize. Defeated, the attacker broke off as the adult disappeared over the beach berm, out of sight.

The successful hunter often does not get to feast on its catch, so I can only presume that the adult sat on a quiet perch somewhere, ripping the cod into delicious chunks and tossed them down the hatch.

On the way out, another immature Bald Eagle sat on top of a pole like a natural extension of the weathered wood, peacefully soaking up that warm sunshine. Each of those three eagles sure had a unique afternoon!

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter






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