Camera Records Incredible Moment Bald Eagle Swoops Down and Swipes Fisherman's Catch
A Maine fisherman recorded an up-close-and-personal view of the moment a bald eagle flew down onto the snow and snatched up a fish.
Nicholas Batchelder was ice fishing with friends at Little Sebago Lake in Windham, Maine.
As the men fished, they felt that someone or something was watching them from above.
They scanned the skies and saw a bald eagle staring down at them, seemingly waiting for some fresh fish.
Their first catch of the day was a small perch, and Batchelder decided to leave it on the ground to see what the eagle would do.
Batchelder set up his GoPro camera before stepping away from the fish, hoping the eagle would swoop down.
Batchelder and his friends remained quiet and were soon treated to the incredible sight of an eagle sinking his claws into its prey.
The fisherman ended up with incredible video footage of the bald eagle, who walked so close to the GoPro the audio picked up the sound of the bird’s steps.
After scanning his surroundings, the eagle snatched the fish up, turned and flew away.
Batchelder told WCSH that he didn’t mind giving the fish away — it was well worth the incredible moment.
Batchelder added that he was glad the eagle only took the fish and left his GoPro intact.
Viewers are loving the video, commenting on the eagle’s beauty.
“I would be proud to have a bald eagle eat a fish I caught,” Mike Gimenez wrote.
Maine residents felt their hearts swell with state pride knowing that they see more bald eagles on the land than the average American.
According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, bald eagle numbers are on the rise, having increased by 16 percent in the last five years.
Bald eagles are attracted to Maine’s fishing waters and plenty of nesting trees, making the state an ideal habitat for the birds to thrive.
A 2018 aerial survey found 733 nesting pairs, state wildlife biologists reported.
The bald eagle’s beauty and fierceness never cease to amaze us, leaving Americans awestruck whenever one swoops in close enough to give us a peek into their lives.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
