They (the breed) is quite popular in films. You've seen
them in
Swiss
Family Robinson and a few other Disney movies. Pekin ducks
don't fly and they do respond well to food, much like men!
In any event, a few days ago I spotted this duo chasing the
cormorants off the sand bar where many of our feathered friends hang out
when the tide is low. The cormorants would try to relax on the sand,
and these two would chase them into the water. I'd never seen the Pekin ducks doing that and so noted it in my
Log Book.
Then today I looked up and spotted a pair of ospreys flying
in formation. They are rather magnificent and with their masked face quite
easy to recognize. They are larger and heavier birds of prey.
One broke off and headed for the sand bar. On the sand bar
was another large bird. At first I thought it might be a buzzard but then
noted the golden head. Could it be an immature eagle? Frankly the head did
look much like a golden. I'm not an expert but did pull out my bird book
for a little more information. [Birds of North America is
my "go to" book for identifying birds seen along the waterfront.]
I continued to watch the osprey dive
bombing the eagle on the sand bar until finally it (the eagle) took off.
And yes, it did hang on to the fish in it's talons. The tail seemed to be about 2/3rds black and the
rest white. Hmm. Because of the colors on it's butt I'm guessing
it's an immature bald eagle but it might be a golden. Perhaps a
local here in Carrabelle will have spotted it too and be able to offer a
definitive identification.
The two birds headed for the trees
just south of me and I lost them. I'm guessing though that the eagle
wasn't going to give up dinner, at least not willingly.
That fish was fresh
and looked just the right size for my dinner. If I had a fresh fish, well,
I'd want it too. Perhaps baked with a bit of broccoli on the side.
Yes, it's obvious isn't it: I need to get to shore for more groceries!
And on that note, I'll wish you a
good day.
If you're a local Carrabelle resident, did you spot at
golden eagle this morning?
And, has anyone else seen a Pekin duck being aggressive? That was
new for me!
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