Bald Eagle (Pygargue à tête blanche)

 

     The history of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) across North America is an odd mixture of disinterest, abuse and tragedy. Until relatively recently Bald Eagles had a bounty on their heads, and hunters received financial reward for killing them. There is a level of unfathomable irony in the United States that the Bald Eagle was adopted as its national symbol, displayed in every manner imaginable to incite sentiments of strength, power and patriotism, yet its extermination was a sanctioned goal.

     Fortunately, there has been a change of tone in our attitude towards wildlife (at least for now) and the Bald Eagle has made a splendid recovery.

     Here in southern Ontario, it is verging on commonplace. 

     Recently, near the Conestogo Dam in Wellington County we saw at least seven birds, including this immature on the shore of the lake.

     Although primarily a piscivore, a Bald Eagle is opportunistic, piratic, and will feed on anything available, including carrion.

     The lake harboured hundreds of Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser), and an injured bird would quickly become an easy meal.

     A gull (Laridae sp) would be equally acceptable.

     In fact, I was surprised to learn on reading James Paruk's wonderful book Loon Lessons that Bald Eagles have become significant predators on Common Loons (Gavia immer).

     This immature bird was perched quite far off in a tree which at one point harboured two others of similar age.

       Almost directly below an adult seemed to have secured a fish in shallow water.

     On a recent walk along the Conestogo River at St. Jacobs, ON we were thrilled to see this bird, probably three years old judging from its plumage, hunting up and down the water.

     It did not succeed in hoisting a fish while we watched, but I have little doubt that success would come on a subsequent try. There were lots of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) available as an alternative course on the menu!

     Jen Leat kindly shared these images of a couple of immature birds engaged in some kind of aerial display.

     It is very encouraging to witness this magnificent bird of prey restored to its ancestral habitats, to take its place in ecosystems across the continent. A balanced predator/prey relationship is the key to a healthy, functioning ecosystem and Bald Eagles have a critical role to play.

     Long may they bring us joy!