An update to my post from yesterday about the Prince Edward Co. lakes...
Ducks and grebes are still concentrated on a few open spots, though they
were getting larger this afternoon. The only new species was Mute Swan, two
of which had joined the ducks at Sandy River Reservoir this morning. There
was at least one White-winged Scoter still at each lake (though see below),
but the Red-necked Grebe was not seen at Briery.
I saw single female White-winged Scoters from two viewing points at Sandy
River; it was not clear if they were the same or different individuals. The
one I saw at the second location flew a short distance and landed on the
ice, which attracted the attention of an immature Bald Eagle. I would not
have guessed that Bald Eagle predation on a White-winged Scoter was
something I'd ever see in Prince Edward County -- but I did.
If that wasn't enough, a little while later I watched two eagles isolate
and attack the only Common Goldeneye at Briery, an adult male. He was
eventually captured; I got video of the chase and the subsequent plucking.
Mike
--
C. Michael Stinson
Dillwyn, VA
My 2014 birding blog: http://birdingtheheartofva.blogspot.com/
