While Katie and I were in Manchester looking for the Barrow’s Goldeneye in the Merrimack River behind the Waumbec Mills, we watched a Great Black-backed Gull land in the river, stick its head under water and pull out a bullhead. The gull then landed on the ice, briefly admired its prize, and then suddenly took off without the fish. A Bald Eagle landed on the ice to claim it, providing a good explanation for the gull’s sudden flight. It did take us two trips to Stark Landing, but we finally did see the Barrow’s Goldeneye.  

On 1-11-2025, Jim Sparrell photographed this Great Black-backed Gull with his prize on the ice—a bullhead pulled from the river.

Here is the Bald Eagle who won the prize fish without any real contest.

Enjoy this field note? Check out other field notes from Winter 2025-26! 

• An Eastern Bluebird Haven by Tara Brooks 

• Where Does a Bald Eagle Drink When the Ice Freezes? by Iain MacLeod 

• Northern Shrike Up Close and Personal by Lori Charron 

• Evening Grosbeak Bonanza by David Govatski 

• Common Murre at Odiorne by Diane Karstrap 

• Winter Haiku by Jim Sparrell and Katherine Towler 

• Backyard Ruffed Grouse by Elaine Faletra 

• Fishing Drama on the Merrimack by Jim Sparrell 

Want even more? Visit our “From the Field” page for more.