"TO THE VICTOR GOES THE SPOILS"

Bald Eagles (Adult & Immature) - 11 Photos

It was one of those non-Spring days in April with intermittent snow squalls. The lighting did, however, provide some wonderful contrast for eagle flights. And yes those white spots that appear on the eagles' wings are actually snow falling.

The immature Bald Eagle (probably 3 years old) was spotted first (Photo #1 & Photo #2).  He/she made a couple of flights down onto the ice but before I could get there, the gulls had chased it off and then it was back to a nearby tree.

And then the adult Bald Eagle flew in. Obviously it was not willing to share its territory or any food with this youngster and an aerial chase ensued with the young eagle making a hasty departure (Photo #3 and #4).

Then it was back to the same tree as a look-out for the adult, with intermittent fly overs to check out gull positioning and potential left-overs (Photo #5 through to Photo #9).

It appeared that the gulls were scavenging dead fish that had appeared just under the melting ice on the pond. They were patrolling the ice edge, pulling out the fish and feasting on the remains (Photo #10). The eagle was looking for that moment when a piece became available as gulls squabbled among themselves for who got the meal.

What was surprising was how cautious the Bald Eagle was. Considering its beak and talon size, you would think there would be no worries about taking on a gull or two but this was not the case. It was willing to wait for that opening when it thought it could swoop down and make off with a fish carcass but unwilling to take a stand (or flight) against the gulls. I suppose in an eagle's world, any potential injury is worth avoiding as no matter how slight, it could seriously impact its ability to hunt.

In the end, however, while the gulls fought it out within their group, the eagle swooped in, grabbed a piece of fish and flew off. And yes, that is a Mallard Duck ahead of the eagle making a quick get-away (Photo #11).

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7

PHOTO #8

PHOTO #9

PHOTO #10

PHOTO #11