Hargis Eagles 3 - The Chase

We begin with an eagle making a strike on a fish.

The third installment of pictures I took at Hargis Creek Watershed in Wellington, Kansas in December of 2020. This time, I will feature a chase across the sky I was able to capture. This starts with an eagle catching a fish at the south end of the lake and heading towards the rows of dead trees toward the middle of the lake. I got some good shots of the eagle carrying the fish, but then the excitement began. A younger juvenile suddenly appeared and gave chase to try and snag the fish away. Some of the pics are not the sharpest, but the subject is worth a view.

The strike was successful, and we have a fish in tow.

After gaining some altitude, the eagle is heading north looking for a likely dining area.

Still happy and holding a fish.

Flying past a dead tree in the water with someone looking on.

Uh oh! Someone sees an easy meal.

Working hard to catch up.

Looking down and back, the first eagle repositions the fish.

Starting to close the distance.

A determined look.

Just a few wingbeats later, and here is the try for the grab.

The theft was unsuccessful, and the trailing eagle lost some speed in the attempt.

Starting to pull away again with the prize.

I have a hunch there may be some taunting going on here.

The chasing eagle had not given up, but the opportunity was missed and the eagle with the fish made it to a landing spot.

And now for a delicious and hard earned meal.