Two large Eagles are flying low over a gray, slightly choppy ocean surface. They are Steller’s sea eagles, identifiable by their striking black-and-white plumage, massive wingspans, and bright yellow-orange beaks and talons. In the foreground (right side), one eagle is gliding just above the water with its wings fully extended. Its head is angled downward, focused forward, a fish clutched in its talons. Behind and slightly above it (left side), a second eagle is descending with wings spread wide and feet extended forward, as if preparing to snatch the fish or compete for it mid-air. Its posture suggests aggression or opportunistic behavior. The scene conveys motion and tension: the lower bird is escaping with its prey, while the upper bird is attempting to intercept. The muted tones of the sea contrast with the bold black, white, and yellow of the birds, making them stand out sharply. Photo Credit: Gregory Rothman 2018

A couple of #Steller’sEagles doing what they do.

Today’s #BirdOfTheDay from
@robcrank68.bsky.social
theme is #LargeBirdsInFlight, birds LARGER than Ducks in flight. Alt Theme is #Gulls

#HaliaeetusPelagicus
#EastCoastKin #Birds #foto #WildLife #Nature #Raptors

A large eagle is flying very low over choppy blue ocean water, wings stretched wide and slightly arched. Its body is mostly dark brown, but the shoulders and parts of the wings are bright white, creating a bold contrast. The bird’s head is dark with a massive, thick, golden-yellow beak that stands out clearly. One talon is extended downward as if preparing to grab prey from the surface. The scene feels cold and windswept, consistent with a northern winter coastline. Identification This is a Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), a species strongly associated with winter in Hokkaido. Key field marks visible here are the very large yellow bill, white shoulder patches, and overall bulky build. During winter in Hokkaido, Steller’s sea eagles gather along coasts and rivers, often near sea ice, where fish are concentrated. Feeding strategy: They frequently snatch fish from the water surface (as this bird appears poised to do) but also scavenge carrion and will pirate prey from other birds. Dominance hierarchy: They are behaviorally dominant over the similar white-tailed eagle; disputes over food can involve dramatic aerial grappling. Partial migration: Many individuals breed in far eastern Russia and migrate south to Japan for the winter, returning north in spring.

StellarsEagle
#BirdOfTheDay sporting #OneLeg swoops down for a bite.
#EastCoastKin #Birds #OceanLife #PhotographersUnited #HaliaeetusPelagicus

オオワシ
ISO800
1/800s
f6.3
198mm（297mm）
CLASSIC Neg.
#fujifilm
#富士フイルム
#fuji
#fujifilmxs20
#xs20
#fujifilm_xseries
#sigma100400mm
#sigmalens
#旭山動物園
#動物園
#zoo
#大鷲
#オオワシ
#stellersseaeagle
#haliaeetuspelagicus
#カメラ

Birds Of The World: Steller's Sea-Eagle The Steller’s Sea-Eagle(Haliaeetus pelagicus), also known as Pacific Sea-Eagle or White-Shouldered Eagle is a bird of prey classified in the avian order Accipitriformes and family Accipitridae. Phy...

The Steller’s Sea-Eagle is resident in Russia; however individuals can also be seen in China, Japan, and Korea.
brantamedia.com/2024/09/15/b...
#StellersSeaEagle #Haliaeetuspelagicus #Eagles #BirdsOfPrey #Birds #Wildlife #Animals