Avian Anglers
American Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Belted Kingfishers all reside and dine on the Kennebec River.
Last week, watching each feed on fish beneath the surface of the river, I wondered which species is the best angler?
All photos by Andy Molloy
Eagles roost and exert little energy until striking. Half the time they miss their mark.
As the Ospreys circle, chirping smack, they arc and dive. By my estimate, they get lucky once out of every three strikes.
Kingfishers, usually hunting in pairs, seem to hit the mark most often.
What do you think?
By my observations (mostly on Cobbossee), Kingfishers are the most efficient - though eagles seem fairly close, ospreys the least. I've seen some fairly ineffective ospreys miss about 8 or so times in a row, expending a lot of energy in the process (circle, dive, plunge, take-off, shake/dry, and repeat. Eagles make it look quite effortless, almost plucking fish from the water.
Posted by
streamertyerJuly 9, 2008 10:45 AM
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