>I just heard an amazing Bald Eagle story--happened off San Juan Island
>last month. The observer saw a Bald Eagle go diving/tumbling/crashing
>into the water, and disappear for several seconds. The eagle appeared
>back on the surface, struggling.
>
>About that time the observer called the Humane Society, hoping to find a
>drowning eagle rescuer. The eagle struggled a bit more, then headed for
>shore, sort-of swimming or paddling, using its wings as oars. It would
>"swim" for a bit, struggle, even sometimes disappear under the water; but
>it kept heading for the shore.Ellen,
>

Ellen,

I've been told that the structure of a Bald Eagle's foot is such that it is
unable to release its grip on a fish when its leg is extended as would be the
case after locking onto a too large fish. Apparently the bird must be standing
on the prey to release his grip. So your poor eagle may have wanted to let go
but could not do so!

I'd be curious to hear from someone who knows if this is true about eagle
(raptors in general?) or not.


Scott Ray
Yakima, WA