Bay Photos by Donna

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Osprey may be the ultimate fisherman, but they have a nemesis, the much larger and more powerful Bald Eagle, who will not think twice about stealing the Osprey’s hard-earned meal.

This past summer from our boat, we watched an Eagle leave its perch and purposely pursue an Osprey who had just caught a fish.

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Eagle in hot pursuit of an Osprey with its fish

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The Osprey’s maneuvers were well-played by the Eagle.  There were so many close incidences, I feared the Osprey would get hurt.

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The relentless pursuit went on for a couple of intense minutes.

Finally, the Osprey reached the point s/he had had enough and released the fish.

The Eagle immediately went for the fish that hit the water below.

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“It was all about the fish”

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The Eagle was quick to snatch the fish from the water and took off with his steal.

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I watched the Osprey fly off in the opposite direction, I hoped heading to a perch for a much needed rest for a bit before returning to its fishing.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen this scene play out over and over many times around the Chesapeake Bay.  The Eagle does not always win.  Sometimes the Osprey luckily succeeds in tiring out the Eagle first, who’ll suddenly quit the chase and go back to its tree to perch…..and hopefully sulk.  hehehe

When I see that, it’s a big hooray for the Osprey!  🙂

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