While not as exciting as seeing a bald eagle take down a crane, a few weeks ago a bird walk I was leading watched a bald eagle take a lone snow goose in midair.–

Exactly, was surprised to see that a bald eagle was the predator. Know a falconer who has lost several of his peregrines to golden eagles over the yrs! And, have personally witnessed a golden chase balds away from a carcass. 

But, they’re all predators & suspect the lone pair of sandhills just presented too much temptation to pass on. Perhaps, the sandhill cranes were young, last yr birds & not as wise in the ways of predator avoidance. In any case, was fascinating to witness.

Brian

Very cool !!  Things like that are practically a once in a lifetime event.  I always have loved the moments in nature that are seen but not captured, and there have been many for me. While I have managed to photograph a few, they are so rare, and happen so fast it’s impossible to catch except in one’s own memory.  I am patiently, hopefully, waiting for the technology that will allow one to print photos directly from their brain to paper, thus allowing for the most elusive moments to be shared with everyone.  “It is a dream, I have” …..
  Jeff Brough
  www.flickr.com/albums 

Thanks, Tim. I do recall the Whooping Crane foster program. But, didn’t know reason it failed. 

Brian

Eagles (usually Goldens) were one of the reasons the Whooping Crane foster program (whooper eggs put into sandhill nests) at Grays Lake NWR failed.  Power lines were also a contributor.  Young fostered whoopers suffered badly during migration.

Walked down to the Snake to do some fly-fishing, but wind shut me down. Came back up to the house & was sitting on deck, when heard the croaky call of Sandhill Cranes overhead. Spotted 2 & put binocs on them. Love the sight & sound of spring Sandhills! Soon, 2 Bald Eagles flew in & joined the crane pr in flight. 

Suddenly, the lead eagle made a beeline for the lead crane & the chase was on. The eagle matched the Sandhill wing beat for wing beat & rapidly closed the gap. The crane was flying higher & higher, making as tight circles as it could. I thought, is something about to happen here?! I was amazed at the speed of the crane, but its long neck & legs definitely hindered maneuverability. Next thing, the Bald Eagle was above the Sandhill Crane, talons extended & wham! Feathers fly & the hapless crane simply crumpled, & started a long fall to the ground. The other Bald Eagle broke off its flight behind the remaining crane & just headed off. 

The Bald that made the strike, followed the fallen crane on down, until both disappeared behind upstream cottonwoods. The remaining Sandhill kept soaring, making big circles overhead & calling for another half hour, until finally disappearing to the east.

39 yrs in this part of the country & have never witnessed such before! An amazing display of nature in all its candor. 

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot