My melancholy is always helped by realizing how much life will come from the dead animal, especially in the middle of the winter. The body becomes a hub for scavengers, who seem to see it as a gift from the heavens. Within a week, the carcass will be down to bare bones. Nothing is wasted.
This time, I felt very fortunate that a pair of Golden Eagles fed on the body. These are magnificent birds. They weight up to 15 lbs, and their wingspans are around 6-7'!
Here is one standing on the elk carcass. The rib cage of the elk looks small by comparison to the eagle.
I've seen single Golden Eagles at elk carcasses near here before but I have never seen two Golden Eagles! In this photo, a second Eagle had just descended from the sky almost on top of the one who was feeding there. I know that it's hard to tell that there are two - but it will be obvious in the video.
When I saw two Golden Eagles, I jumped to the conclusion that they were a mated pair but, as you'll see, they didn't behave as cooperatively as you might expect.
Check out the video if you have time!
sometimes life is bittersweet... I feel sorry too for the elk, but it helps the eagles, so... is that common that the magpies come so close to a big bird of prey?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is common. And Magpies even harass the eagles to try to make them leave - which I'll show in a future video. :)
DeleteI did not know eagles eat from found meat. I thought they had to kill it. they are just like humans, what is mine is mine and I am not sharing... also I found it odd the little birds were brave enough to sit around in front of the giant predators. the video is pretty amazing to me. they sure are BIG. when I see things like this I just remind myself of the food chain and that each time I eat bacon I am eating dead meat. I find it hard to eat meat most of the time because I see them with love not as food
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful birds and so huge! I feel sad for the elk but the eagles have to eat too.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting video. We are amused by the antics of the magpies. They are quite bold to gather so close to those huge eagles.
ReplyDeleteI find Golden Eagles more beautiful than Bald Eagles, although the latter are certainly impressive birds too. And I actually see Bald Eagles here in central MA with some frequency, now that we have nesting pairs again - one positive change that has happened within my lifetime. I would love to see Golden Eagles again - have only seen them in the Southwest, never even passing through MA.
ReplyDeleteFascinating footage!
ReplyDeleteJudging by the amount of white in the tail of the first eagle, it might be an immature - though they usually have white patches in their wings as well, which I couldn't see. (According to Sibley field guide: not always present).
Yes, those clever magpies are bold!
Quinn - I think there are a few nesting pairs of golden eagles in New England. Maybe someday...!
Cheers,
Chris from Boise
Hmmm: I may have overstated the "nesting in New England". They do migrate across New England, but most are coming from points further north. Back in the 1980s (more than a few years ago!) I watched a pair in New York State sky-dancing and carrying pine boughs, which made me strongly suspect a nesting attempt. My senior brain seems to have conflated those two pieces of information.
DeleteOopsily,
Chris from Boise
Beautiful birds and most territorial. It's my food. Period. Great video.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. Hope you're feeling better. ♥
Awesome video, simply awesome. Well worth spending two minutes watching.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Gail.
Magnificent birds, and the little ones are brave and hungry to venture there. Yes, life is sad and seems cruel, but this has fded so many in the depth of winter. Their wings, massive and in flight would be a delight to see.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite something to see. The magpies seem much more concerned about the second bird than they were about the first.
ReplyDeleteKB this was a most amazing video. Thank you for sharing it. I've never seen a golden eagle so close up.
ReplyDeleteThe feathers on their legs look like leggins...
The magpie are quite daring to try to scare off an Eagle.
Do you know how the Elk Cow as killed...a predator or human?
Hugs Cecilia
A non-human predator, for sure. It happened while I was too sick to really go very far. I suspect that it was a lion - there is a lot of lion activity in that area right now. I must admit that I am sad that I missed the start of it - and possible capturing footage of the lion feeding on it.
DeleteThose big birds are amazing but we'll take a pass on their idea of yum!
ReplyDeleteWow!! What wonderful birds. I have never seen Golden Eagles before...thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuppose mid-winter there's lots of competition for food, but wonderful birds. You were so lucky to get the video. Are those magpies trying for food?
ReplyDeleteYes, when the eagles aren't around, the magpies are eating all the time!
DeleteIt's amazing how huge they are, and that the magpies are not more afraid of them! Great video, I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
Fascinating. This is my favorite place to go on the Internet.
ReplyDeleteWith all the chasing away of the magpies and the other eagle, not much meat gets eaten. We were quite amazed at how large the Golden Eagles are.
ReplyDeleteThat second Eagle wasn't lettin' any of the magpies at it ~ the first one was lettin' everyone eats some....glads the second one left! some good eatin' there! Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteEagles are such beautiful burdies!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Mom always feels bad for animals that have been killed or died, but it is nature and what happens. When one passes, others do benefit and survive from it.
ReplyDeleteEvery magpie in the neighborhood must be hanging around that elk. I like magpies, they're so pretty and smart. The eagles are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteWhat magnificent birds! A very interesting video to watch!
ReplyDeletehugs
Mabel & Hilda