Eagle with too Heavy of a Load

[NorthernFocus]

Once the salmon start to run in Alaska my production of shots of eagles fishing drops to nil. So much so that I shift to shooting otters and other stuff. Before salmon run the birds have to catch multiple small fish per day to survive and raise chicks. Once the salmon run starts they can live on one fish every couple of days or so. And after the fish enter the creeks they quit fishing open water completely for the most part.

One day a couple of summers ago we were motoring along and saw an eagle diving on a fish ahead of us. When he made the grab he did a "face plant" in the water. That was a sure sign that 1)he successfully grabbed the fish, and 2)it was way too big for the bird to carry. When this happens, the bird will hang on to the fish and try what passes as swimming for an eagle and try to drag the fish to shore. Basically the bird moves its wings in a flying motion and with each "flap" of he wings it moves a few inches across the surface of the water. In this manner they kind of hump along towards shore. The water is typically 35-45F(2-7C) and eagles' feathers are not water proof like seabirds or waterfowl. So there is a real chance of the bird succumbing to hypothermia if they are too far from shore when they start.

We motored carefully closer to try to get a photo or some video of the "swimming" phenomenon (I've seen this several times but never get any imagery). We were too late to get the bird in the water but did get some shots as it dragged its fish up the bank. The fish is a coho(aka silver) salmon. Judging by the length relative to the bird, I'd say the fish weighed 5-8lb(2-4kg) or about half the weight of an adult eagle.

As always, best viewed in the light box.

D300, 200-400VR, Bushhawk
f/4 @ 400 mm, 1/400, ISO 500

1) Dragging from the waters' edge.



2) Where to start?



3) Chow time.

[KHarmon]

Very nice series. I would love to be somewhere that has eagles to photograph. It just doesn't happen in this part of Texas.

[IzzieK]

WoW! Excellent shots as always, Dan! And thanks for the narrative. You make living in Alaska like it is the most beautiful place on earth and it shows in all your posts. Maybe the last shot needs a bit of blurring near the eagle's head at least because it almost gets lost in all those yellows?? What do you think?

I prefer #1 for the pose and #2 is the best as there is more separation between the eagle and the background.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[cuilin]

simply amazing work. great info too on the feeding practices of eagles.

[Suzan J]

Hi Dan: I really look forward to seeing your eagles and never tire of them. The narratives are a bonus. Thanks for sharing.

[tbob]

Fascinating series and commentary, I like number two, it looks so pleased with itself.

What happens if they "hook the big one". A 4 kg kilogram salmon is relatively small. Do they even try for the 20 kg ones?

[NorthernFocus]

Glad everyone enjoyed the post.

...Maybe the last shot needs a bit of blurring near the eagle's head at least because it almost gets lost in all those yellows?? What do you think?...

They could definitely use some work, Izzie. I was going through my files and ran across these so just threw them up here more as a documentary series than anything. It is a good demonstration of how messy backgrounds can be

...What happens if they "hook the big one". A 4 kg kilogram salmon is relatively small. Do they even try for the 20 kg ones?

I'm not sure what their limits are, Trevor. I've seen this happen half a dozen times or so. The largest fish I've seen one drag ashore was probably in the 6-8kg range. It was barely able to get the fish on the bank.

Common legend is that 1) once they grab a fish they can't let go, and 2) they can't take off from the surface of the water. Unfortunately I believed both and a few years ago approached too close to a bird swimming with a fish. It turned the fish loose and flew away. So there, myths debunked. And I felt soooo bad for causing the bird to lose its meal. All wildlife has a hard enough time surviving without our interference. That lesson is why I missed this one dragging the fish from the water. We approached very cautiously to avoid alarming the bird and shot from max range.

[Barbara Ponder]

Such majestic animals! Nice shots. I am partial to #1, I love the wings open for flight or landing.

[Wavelength]

Marvelous set; great!!!

[ST1]

Excellent series Dan, well spotted and captured

[Mike Buckley]

Another enjoyable combination of photos and narrative!

[hurstclan]

Love the series! Thanks for sharing - now if only I could land a fish like that....

[joebranko]

Beautiful series!

[flashback]

Those are just gorgeous shots, 1&2 for me, 1 is my favorite.

[FootLoose]

Great shots, Dan. Your images make the eagle's life seem rather appealing.

[pnodrog]

Great shots, Dan. Your images make the eagle's life seem rather appealing.

The fish is raw and Mrs Eagle is unlikely to cook it...

Dan I always enjoy your images and the consistent high standard you maintain.

[wilgk]

Great images & informative story!

[selig1656]

Terrific pics and very well done with alot of information. Thank you.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks for all the comments, folks, and glad you enjoyed the story.

...Dan I always enjoy your images and the consistent high standard you maintain.

My bride would agree that I have very high standards... and she has none.