An Extraordinary Battle - Eagle vs. Seal
Donald witnesses a dramatic wildlife encounter
I had just completed a fine guided walk with a customer on a cold clear frosty day around the south side of Scourie bay, the highlight of which was a splendid Great Northern Diver in the bay. Otter signs were very present, with numerous trails from the sea through little freshwater ponds and their associated small green mounds (known as spraints) where the otters do their ‘business’.
I set off back for Durness feeling really quite pleased about the wildlife we had encountered and the scenery on the road back was looking particularly beautiful in the light of the shortening day, Ben Stack, Arkle and Foinaven gleaming white in the sunlight.
An Unexpected Wildlife Encounter
Whilst driving to Durness along the Kyle a disturbance on the water took my eye, there was a huge bird standing by the edge of the water - an immature white-tailed eagle, and a small common seal in the water beside it, with lots of splashing going on. I pulled over for to watch what was going on.
Tha eagle took off, swung quickly around and went for the seal.
I quickly assumed that the eagle was trying to steal a fish from the mammal …. but I was wrong.
The eagle was targeting the seal itself and struck it straight on - hitting it on the back. Oooooffff!
The seal dived quickly and moved off under the water, resurfacing a short way away. By this point I was mesmerised - what would happen next in this battle? I wondered.
The eagle took another turn coming back, towards the seal again, with a full throttled charge. This time the seal, obviously learning, dived early and swam further off, foiling the attempt.
The seal then decided to take its chances on dry land coming ashore. With effort it struggled its large body up and onto the sand bank about 50m away from its dark feathered oppressor, who by now had landed and was standing upright on the sand.
They stopped and glowered at each other for some time.
After many minutes the young eagle gave up and took off immediately beginning yet another battle, this time an aerial dog fight with a passing gull! It didn’t get that prey either. One hungry frustrated eagle on the Kyle of Durness, and one fortunate seal with only a sore back.
I’m sure our eagle would have caught a fish eventually.
Donald Mitchell is a High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, a keen observer of nature and wildlife, he dedicates his time to documenting and sharing insights about the natural habitats in North West Sutherland. With a particular interest in marine life, he aims to help others gain a deeper understanding and respect for the delicate balance of our ecosystem.