As we reboarded the ship after lunch someone spotted a peregrine falcon diving on a bald eagle. A quick message to the ship alerted all to the encounter, and by the time everyone was looking skyward a second peregrine had risen in the air. Both peregrines then soared above the treeline before diving sharply to the far side of George Island where their nest was located. Seeing peregrines is always wonderful but seeing them interact with an eagle was very special.
We left our anchorage and headed through what locally is called the washing machine. Today, however, we steamed through this passage at high tide and it was calm. As we made our way, someone spotted an eagle drop from the sky and grab a fish. Unfortunately for the eagle the fish was too heavy. Reluctant to give up the fish, the eagle swam for shore. With his wings outspread, he paddled shoreward apparently holding onto the fish. As he landed on a sloping rocky outcrop, he dragged the fish up on the rock. Hopping on one foot, he climbed to the top of the rock. With a few sharp pecks he dispatched the fish. Methodically, he dismantled the fish, eating first the head, then some innards and finally some of the flesh. Soon other eagles were soaring overhead along with a glaucous-winged gull. Occasionally calling, the eagle finished his late afternoon dining and we headed north through the washing machine.
In a few hours we had watched two of the most impressive raptors. Once endangered, both are recovering their numbers and on this day, we shared their world with them.
