Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Scavenger
A few days ago, we were lucky to witness a bald eagle scavenging this dead headless animal. He was determined (hungry?) enough to let us come really close and watch.
I’m sorry to say that on closer inspection, it looks like a domesticated dog. With no head anywhere to be found, it’s hard to say though. It’s always sad to see dead or dying animals and yet death is a natural part of life. It’s not something you can ignore- especially when you live more rurally as we do.
It was an incredible sight to behold! We were all in wonder watching this bird yank and pull such a heavy beastie around. After a short while (and a few evil eyes thrown our way) we left him to his meal in peace.
on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 4:30 pm:
Oh Annie…what gorgeous photos. And what an experience. Creepy, a little, about the dog…but totally cool nonetheless.
on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 4:46 pm:
You got some really great shots! The close-up is the best one! So sad about the poor dog.
on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 6:13 pm:
WOW! those are great photos. what a gift to see that bit of life happening.
on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 9:25 pm:
So magical to see nature like that. I can’t believe you were able to take those photos. I mean, I believe it but it’s just very cool.
on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 9:54 pm:
These are really cool photos. Matt said he saw them a couple of days ago, and thought they were great!
If it’s out past the lake, then it’s more likely a wolf. Some of the ones round there are pretty small and scrawny.
You should head out to the dump for some really great eagle shots – sadly not in a natural environment, but perfect for close-ups like this!
on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 5:48 am:
Amazing experience! What a way to learn about the cycle of life. How did the kids do with it? I think Fionna would have been fascinated…
on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 4:32 pm:
wow. that last shot is really amazing. were you really that close?!
on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 10:02 am:
AMAZING SHOTS! They are beautiful creatures!
on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 10:26 am:
Yes, definitely a very cool thing to witness. And so true that it’s nothing you can ignore. I think our culture tries hard to ignore it and I wish it wouldn’t.
on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at 3:09 pm:
Thanks! I was feeling so lucky to see and Lily was definitely fascinated with the whole thing. I’m not sure Leif understood what that was about.
I haven’t seen any wolfs here yet so it’s good to hear it could have been one. Isn’t it weird that it would be better to be a dead headless wolf than a dead headless household pet?
We went out to the dump one day on the way to Ridley Island but it was REALLY grey and dreary. We saw something like 100 bald eagles there! It was incredible. I can’t wait to go back. Let’s see if the picture shows in the comments?