question on bald eagle talons (1 Viewer)

[rivergazer]

After reading "Bald Eagles of Alaska" on another thread here on BF, did some web surfing on eagles, just for some more info, as there's a lot I don't know. One site said that when they clamp their talons into prey, they lock shut, and the bird can only disengage them by pressing down on a hard surface. I seem to remember learning of this "locking" as a kid in school, as well, though that was long long ago. But, another site said that they can open and close their talons at will, seemingly de-bunking the "locking shut" action. I'm tending to think that the locking action is a myth with Bald Eagles, but really don't know. I think the locking action may be true of Ospreys though. If someone can straighten this out I'd appreciate it.

marty

 

[BrownnishSkua]

I guess you are questioning the fact that bald eagles grab on to large fish without letting go right? In that case its the bald eagle that refuses to let go as it can choose to release its prey at will.
Juvenile or younger birds seem to be more ambitious compared to adults.
I don't know about them being able to disengage talons only by clamping down on hard surfaces sorry.

 

[Lisa W]

One site said that when they clamp their talons into prey, they lock shut, and the bird can only disengage them by pressing down on a hard surface.

I haven't read much about Bald Eagles, but having seen video of them in flight, this just can't be correct. I've seen them let go of prey in mid air so they definitely don't need to press on a hard surface. I've seen Osprey do the same - let go in mid air.

 

[fugl]

I haven't read much about Bald Eagles, but having seen video of them in flight, this just can't be correct. I've seen them let go of prey in mid air so they definitely don't need to press on a hard surface. I've seen Osprey do the same - let go in mid air.

I agree. I've seen the same thing on several occasions. A couples of weeks ago I watched a Bald Eagle with a coot clutched in its talons fly about for several minutes before dropping its prey back into the water.