Bald Eagle vs. Goldeneye. 2/4/2014.

My ebird alert had reported a rare Barrow's Goldeneye in a very nearby location in Mansfield, MA and, as it was only 15 minutes away, I grabbed my camera and binoculars for a quick ride and look. Jose also joined as he is starting to get into the excitement of birding and photography, and we headed out. We didn't see any Barrow's but only Common Goldeneye which we were looking at through the binoculars when something dropped out of the sky! A Bald Eagle dove in after the exact Goldeneye that we were viewing. It took us a bit to realize what had just happened, and the Eagle remained motionless in the water. It wasn't until I got out of the car for a quick pic five seconds later that the Eagle reacted and seemed to let go of the Goldeneye. I think I startled the bigger bird causing it to let go and the Goldeneye popped up like a bobber. You are welcome little one, and we are glad that you lived to see another day!