Above the Lake KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR
I f you’ve glanced up recently and caught the silhouette of a massive bird soaring above Spring Lake, you’re not imagining things. That’s a Bald Eagle, and it’s been nesting just beyond the green at the Spring Lake Golf Club. Most days, if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll see him gliding toward the ocean, laser-focused and majestic.
BUILT FOR THE CATCH: BALD EAGLES VS. OSPREYS
Bald Eagles and Ospreys have much in common. They’re both raptors, meaning they share certain predator perks including razor-sharp talons, hooked beaks, and eyesight that could outmatch any pair of binoculars. But when it comes to fishing, their techniques diverge in fascinating ways. Bald Eagles are opportunists. They hunt fish by skimming low over water, dipping their talons just below the surface to snatch their meal. Their hit rate? Roughly 30%. Not exactly a standout number. Ospreys, on the other hand, are sharpshooters and far more accurate. With the help of long, arched wings and specialized feathers that repel water, they dive feet-first, sometimes plunging up to two feet deep. Once they’ve secured their target, they’ll rise dramatically from the water, shaking off the splash mid-flight like a dog coming out of the surf. They even reorient their catch midair, turning the fish so its head faces forward. Their success rate? An impressive 70%. Aerodynamic efficiency at its finest.
the Osprey in hopes of startling it into dropping its lunch so it can swoop down and claim the prize. In parts of the country where eagle populations have boomed, Osprey numbers have occasionally dipped. This is not solely due to its predators, but because it’s hard to fish when someone’s always trying to rob you of your next meal. Rising Eagle populations can also create a competition for nesting sites. Bald Eagles have been recorded commandeering Osprey nests and enjoying a snack of Osprey eggs. Fortunately Ospreys are resilient and adaptable. THE COMEBACK BIRDS It’s easy to take sightings of either bird for granted, until you realize how close
RAPTOR RIVALRY: WHO’S WATCHING WHOM?
Given their high success rate, Ospreys often find themselves shadowed by none other than Bald Eagles. Yes, the Eagle, our symbol of power and independence, is known to watch patiently from a perch, waiting for an Osprey to do all the hard work. Once the Osprey grabs a fish and takes to the sky, the Eagle begins the chase, even dive-bombing
10 July 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 11
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