Hi,
The Bald Eagle prey query seems like a really good application for
tweeters so I thought I'd add a bit too. Seems like with all the expertise
and experience in this group, someone could write a paper from these
responses alone.
During a study of winter raptor behavior on the Samish Flats here in WA
(1977-78), we observed BAEAs catching and eating ducks 19 times. Species
included Bufflehead (a friend also saw one of these caught in mid-air!),
Mallard, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, Canvasback, White-winged
Scoter and an un. Scaup. We also saw one catch and eat a Dunlin and another
eat a Dungeness Crab, although the latter may have been carrion.
Just off the top of my head, I can also recall Balds eating
Glaucous-winged Gulls (no Iceland Gull as yet), a Snow Goose and a 32"
long-dead Dog Fish, carried in at least 3 miles from the bay to the nest in
my driveway. The adult was sitting on the road, beak open, panting, wings
spread, looking tired. It couldn't quite make it up to the nest.
I'm curious to learn what the rest of you have seen over the years.


Bud Anderson
Falcon Research Group
Box 248
Bow, WA 98232
bud at frg.org
(360) 757-1911