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I was up on the coast in NoCal, hiking the Lost Coast when I saw a Harlequin duck on a pier. I was getting the camera out and a golden eagle came from on high snagged the duck and flew with it straight at me. I was so surprised I couldn't get a picture. Bummer was, that was my only sighting of a Harlequin in 30 years of hiking. The eagle hit it like a hammer, and broke the duck's back on the strike. I could tell because it was lifeless as the eagle soared off with it.
Where I live in NJ, there is a lot of wildlife. A zillion deer, coyotes (been in my yard, ate a deer fawn once), bear (been at my kids' school), copperheads, timbers, foxes, etc. Well, had a lot of squirrels, chipmunks, and woodchucks in our yard. Then, a family of Red Tail Hawks moved into a tree next door about a month ago. One day, I am in the backyard and I find 3 squirrel pelts on top of the fence - just the heads and fur. Last week, I found rabbit parts all over the driveway. Haven't seen a squirrel in about 2 weeks and there is one woodchuck left, which looks to weight about 30 pounds. Luckily, my dog is part Dane, so he is safe.
I read once where a bald eagle can lift an animal up to 25 pounds! They can prey on young goats and sheep, but prefer small mammals (rodents) and fish. If you hate varmint, than birds of prey are your best friends.
I was up on the coast in NoCal, hiking the Lost Coast when I saw a Harlequin duck on a pier. I was getting the camera out and a golden eagle came from on high snagged the duck and flew with it straight at me. I was so surprised I couldn't get a picture. Bummer was, that was my only sighting of a Harlequin in 30 years of hiking. The eagle hit it like a hammer, and broke the duck's back on the strike. I could tell because it was lifeless as the eagle soared off with it.
I have also seen osprey pull fish from the water while kayaking on a lake.
I live near water in Florida and literally see hundreds of Osprey every day. Also known as a sea hawk.
They can get 4'+ in size and can grab some decent sized fish out of the water.
We have a fair number of osprey in CT, too. Apparently some of ours will winter in Brazil.I live near water in Florida and literally see hundreds of Osprey every day. Also known as a sea hawk.
They can get 4'+ in size and can grab some decent sized fish out of the water.