It has been like an episode of Nature up here this last week. This post starts out with a sad story, but ends with a fascinating sight.
The lake was very late to freeze over this year. We normally see ice fisherman out there days or weeks before Christmas. This year it just barely froze over last week, and the ice is very thin, so thin that it looks just like water. So, a few days ago a couple of deer wandered out onto the ice and fell through. Sadly, they died there and there is nothing anyone could do. The ice is too thin for anyone to go out and rescue them, or to go remove them. So we have to look at these poor deer frozen in the ice every time we come or go anywhere. So sad, and it just happens to be right out across from the entrance to Rockapulco. This has disturbed me. I feel so bad for these poor little deer.
But yesterday I was fortunate to witness a rare opportunity! As I was driving down the hill I could see some large black dots out on the ice. At first I thought they were ice fisherman. I was freaking out! The ice is way too thin! But it didn't quite look right. I was intrigued to find out what this was. As I got closer to the gate at the bottom of the hill I realized they were birds, huge birds! There were 8 or 9 of them eating the flesh from the deer. We have seen Bald Eagles flying around up here quite a bit. There are many stories of the Eagles flying away with peoples pet cats. I have seen them fishing the river, swooping across the lake, and nesting in the trees, but never have I seen this many so close in one spot, and never a Golden Eagle. I was in awe!!! I called Greg right away and told him to grab the camera and run down. I was on my way to spend some quality time with my best bud, Casey. By the time Greg got down there they were just leaving and some of them had already gone, but I think he got some great pictures. But be aware, there is part of the half eaten deer carcass is in a few of them. This is brutal, sad, and I think fascinating raw nature.
I wish we could have gotten some closer shots, or I could make these pictures bigger. They were probably a half mile or so away. But you can tell how huge they are by the comparison of the birds to the deer. Isn't it cool? Or am I a nut case? I have a feeling they will be down there feeding a lot until this next snow storm comes and covers up the deer. I will be down there trying to get some more pictures today. So cool! Had to share!
KSL did a story about a deer rescue at Rockport the day after the deer in my story had their accident. It's pretty cool...
Click HERE to see it
5 comments:
In your last post you said something about needing to hurry & post stuff about your current home. Perfect timing!!
What an unreal experience you guys are having up there!
Great pictures and story. As brutal as it seems it is natures way.
You will certainly miss the wild, nature part of your life when you move to the big city again. Your stories and pictures at Rockapulco have been amazing over the years. However, as they say "If you love wildlife, have KIDS", and you have two of the wildest. The stories will be different but the wild life adventures will go on. Thanks for sharing the eagles.
Hugs and Kisses
That is awesome. I can't believe their wingspan, they are huge.
That's incredible! Aren't animals fascinating. I've had a special interest in eagles since I was little so these pictures were so fun to see! It was so fun to see you at the party, you have such a great family and you're a good mom! It was really fun to see Greg too! I hadn't seen him in forever! It will be fun to see updates in the world of birds! LUVS!
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