The redfish (Kokanee, which are landlocked Sockeye Salmon) are spawning again. Crowds of people have gathered to watch them; a Black Bear helps himself to the fish; mallards await the tasty eggs; gulls stand by, and ravens gorge on fish. Despite the fact that a cornucopia is available, there can be acrimony among these predators.
So it was that I watched a subadult eagle steal a fish from some ravens. The irony is that a recent posting showed a raven trying unsuccessfully to take a fish from an eagle. Now, this posting shows an eagle stealing one from ravens.
The Kokanee have crowded the stream as the males compete for females.
A small unkindness of ravens is gathering to consume one of the fish.
Overhead, a sub-adult Bald Eagle spots them and sees an opportunity.
Swooping down, it steals the fish, now clutched in its claws, from the ravens.
The ravens scatter amid vociferous complaints.
There is nothing the ravens can do about it except whine as the eagle flies off with its prize.
Plenty of action at the ol’ spawing grounds! I remember going to see the redfish at Kokanee in elementary school. It was so fascinating. So many fish and such a beautiful red filling the stream.
great action sequence. the bald eagle looks like a superhero when flying overhead before it enters the fray.