Happy New Year All!I just had to pass on this account and incredible photos
from a Richmond AS member, Julie Kacmarcik!Patty
On Monday, January 9, 2017 9:59 PM, "juliekazz@xxxxxxxxxxx"
<juliekazz@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi,
It's been great to see the snow and all the birds the cold weather brings out.
Today I took a trip to the market and of course could not pass Old Stage Road
without checking out Dutch Gap. Most of the marsh was frozen over so ducks were
elsewhere. As I came around the corner towards the first platform I saw a mass
of black birds in the marsh. It was a flock of about 30 Coots huddled together
in a small area of open water. No other ducks or waterfowl around. A few Canada
Geese "honked overhead". Out of nowhere a mature (banded) Bald Eagle flew over
the Coots and landed on the ice. Quite formidable, the Eagle walked "that"
Eagle walk on the ice-all within 15-20 feet of the Coots who obviously thought
there was safety in numbers.
After sizing up the Coots, the Eagle made the move. He lifted off and then down
into the mass. With ease, the Eagle picked off a Coot. The weight of the Coot
caused the Eagle to go under water and have a little struggle getting back on
the ice. Once he righted himself, Coot in talons, the Eagle proceeded to pull
all the feathers out of the struggling Coot. The Coot was pinned but could
still raise it's head. Many sound effects of breaking bones and innards
becoming outards. It was incredible to watch. What was even more interesting
or baffling was watching the flock of Coots remaining in their same area, only
20 feet from watching one of their own being torn apart by a Bald
Eagle.Occasionally, a Song Sparrow would hop within a few feet of the Eagle.
After polishing off his meal, the Eagle took flight and went up into a Sycamore
with it's mate. The whole event was a good 20-30 minutes. I just keep blasting
off photo's. The light was pretty good and the cold weather kept any crowds
away.
Attaching some photos. A jaw-dropper.
JulieKacmarcikChester
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On the prowl.jpg
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Maybe he doesn't see us....jpg
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diving for Coots.jpg
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Geez this Coot is heav.jpg
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Coot down.jpg
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The circle of life.jpg
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Interesting posture.jpg
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Heimlich.jpg
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These Coots sure have strange feet.jpg
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I'm full.jpg
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