Back to Lamar but with Jenna 9/13/2013

The next day after the two moose sighting and the original spotting of the bison carcass, Jenna and I went out for the day and scoped the area out. We left early in the morning and returned at dusk. When we got there, a golden eagle was perched upon a branch with some magpies looking at the foolish coyote and its friend trying to rip it open. According to other on lookers, no bears or wolves had been by to open the carcass for every one, but none the less, ravens, magpies and two coyotes were doing their best to get the meat before the top of the food chain would appear.

I was caught up in a conversation with a trucker who was on vacation when the golden eagle left the branch and started to fly in the direction of the carcass. I quickly went for my camera as it circled around the carcass and scared the others away. It picked at the bison for a moment before flying away to another tree where it sat and watched us watch him. moments later and left that branch to sit up on the hill behind us and watch from a distance. It seemed that the eagle had enough of the watching and decided to switch spots again. As it flapped its wings for take off I managed to take two pictures posted below. Jenna and I were so thrilled as it flew right over our heads. Unfortunately, I was still new to the camera and had no clue on how to take a vast amount of pictures in a short time and missed out on the photo op.

With my great luck the eagle decided to come back to the spot three hours later and gave everyone a second chance of taking pictures. Once again it flew right over our heads and I was able to snap the picture below as it soared by with its wing inches off the hill as if it were a surfer breaking the skin of a wave with their hand.

Below is the stubborn coyote with the tail of the bison trying to rip open the carefully packed meal. The ravens and magpies seem to be communicating with one and other to form a plan on how to eat this giant lunch.

We waited all day and watched the coyotes scare the birds off and continue to try and open the thick hide of the bison but to our demise, we were not lucky enough to see the bears and wolves this day enjoy their meal.