Re: [Maine-birds] Bald eagles after wood duck

I've seen most species of diving ducks fly upon the approach of an eagle.  They usually split long before the eagle gets within striking distance.  Dabbling ducks fly of course, but one time I saw a flock of Mallards take off just before the eagle arrived.  He had his pick of the flock.  He made it look easy, tilting and swooping down through the middle of the flock and making a "one-handed" snatch.

Wally S.

On 4/25/2013 6:24 AM, Susan Guare wrote:

Maybe some species of duck take off too slowly to escape from a predator, so diving is their defense?  Can you recall the species that flew?

On Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 6:03 AM, R&W Sumner <chrwsu@myfairpoint.net> wrote:

I'm surprised they gave up so easily.  I've seen eagles continue to dive until a duck (or alcid) is so exhausted it can't dive anymore.  Then they simply pluck their meal from the water.  I've puzzled over the fact that some ducks fly away and usually escape; while others continue to dive until they're done for.

Wally S.

On 4/24/2013 9:39 PM, Jessica Costa wrote:

Watched two adult bald eagles circle and dive at a wood duck on Highland Lake, Falmouth this evening.  The wood duck was calling in alarm and managed to effectively evade their attacks by repeatedly bobbing under water, even when both eagles starting swooping in more and more frequently.  I have to say I was pretty impressed by the wood duck.  After a few minutes, the eagles gave up and flew off.  I'm sure all three birds were exhausted! --
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