Talons in Front
This mature bald eagle is very close to grabbing a fish from Kachemak Bay as it's brought it's talons forward. I observe that the behavior is to bring the talons forward only at the very last second because the eagle can't normally fly very long with them in the forward position. The talons have to come forward and then immediately make the grab and return to the rear as the bird times the beating wings to the rhythm of this grab. It's an intricate ballet of actions.
Taken 23 March 2022 near Homer, Alaska.
Talons in Front
This mature bald eagle is very close to grabbing a fish from Kachemak Bay as it's brought it's talons forward. I observe that the behavior is to bring the talons forward only at the very last second because the eagle can't normally fly very long with them in the forward position. The talons have to come forward and then immediately make the grab and return to the rear as the bird times the beating wings to the rhythm of this grab. It's an intricate ballet of actions.
Taken 23 March 2022 near Homer, Alaska.