Clash on the Ice: Bald Eagle and Canada Goose Battle in Burlington Bay
A dramatic confrontation unfolded on the frozen waters of Burlington Bay as a bald eagle attempted to make a meal out of a Canada goose—only to be met with fierce resistance. What started as a seemingly one-sided attack quickly turned into a prolonged struggle, captured in striking detail by wildlife photographer Mervyn Sequeira.
Sequeira, a retired airline captain with a passion for Canadian wildlife photography, was out on his routine Sunday morning walk at LaSalle Marina when he witnessed the rare and intense encounter. The 74-year-old, who has been documenting nature since moving from Goa, India, three decades ago, described the event as both thrilling and symbolic.
A Fight for Survival
“We saw the bald eagle swooping in, targeting the Canada goose that was resting on the ice,” Sequeira recalled. “The eagle made several attempts to seize the goose, and for a moment, it seemed inevitable that the goose would be taken. But in a surprising turn, the eagle eventually gave up and flew away.”
Despite the predator’s relentless efforts, the goose managed to hold its ground, defying what seemed like an assured fate. “That goose was incredibly lucky that day,” Sequeira said.
A Symbolic Struggle
While Sequeira prefers to steer clear of politics, he acknowledged that many who saw his photos on social media viewed the encounter through a symbolic lens—an emblematic struggle between two national icons, the bald eagle representing the United States and the Canada goose symbolizing its northern neighbor.
“I shared the images purely as a remarkable wildlife moment,” he explained. “But people inevitably drew their own conclusions. We live in a time where everything is interpreted in different ways.”
The event took place against the backdrop of heightened political and economic tensions between Canada and the United States. Not long after, trade disputes escalated, with tariffs and countermeasures creating friction between the two allies. Some observers couldn’t help but see parallels between the bird battle and the unfolding geopolitical landscape.
An Unusual Predator-Prey Encounter
Bald eagles are not an uncommon sight in Burlington. In recent years, their population has rebounded, with new hatchlings recorded at the Royal Botanical Gardens. However, while these birds of prey primarily feed on fish and smaller waterfowl, a direct attack on a Canada goose is an unusual spectacle.
Sequeira suspects the targeted goose was unwell, making it an easier mark for the eagle. “It was unstable on its feet, its head moved erratically—almost as if it had vertigo,” he noted. Winter conditions often drive eagles to seek alternative food sources when ice-covered waters limit their access to fish.
“In nature, predators help maintain ecological balance,” Sequeira explained. “Coyotes and eagles tend to eliminate the sick and weak, ensuring a healthier population overall. It’s a process that many may not fully understand, but it is essential.”
A Rare and Memorable Encounter
With years of wildlife observation under his belt, Sequeira has seen bald eagles hunt fish and even smaller ducks. But this particular event was a first for him.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like it. The raw power of the eagle, the resilience of the goose—it was incredible to watch,” he said.
Despite its apparent disadvantage, the Canada goose defied expectations, a testament to nature’s unpredictability. “That’s the beauty of the natural world,” Sequeira reflected. “You never know what you might see, and every moment holds a lesson in survival.”
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