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.
JulieKacmarcik
Chester
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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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