Drama on the Merrimack River

[Jim Sparrell]

While Katie and I were looking for the Barrow's Goldeneye behind the Waumbec Mills, we watched a Great Black-backed Gull land in the river, stick its head under water and pull out a horned pout/bullhead. It then landed on the ice and briefly admired its prize. Suddenly it took off without the fish and a Bald Eagle landed on the ice to claim it. There are a few pictures in the checklist here: 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S293784666

It did take us two trips to Stark Landing before we saw the Barrow's. Thanks to Kevin M. for assuring us that it was present when we returned.

Jim Sparrell

Katie Towler

Portsmouth, NH