Bald Eagles are well known for their opportunistic feeding behaviors. Here in New Hampshire, they are quick to take advantage of fish or bait left behind after ice fishing. People often leave fish on the ice knowing that eagles will quickly accept an easy meal.
While conducting my annual Bald Eagle nest monitoring in the Lakes Region, I often observe eagles picking up discarded fish or bait, perhaps even a hot dog or two. During one nest check on February 28, 2026, I watched as a group of ice fishermen packed up and dragged their sleds of equipment to the nearby boat ramp. Within minutes of them leaving the ice, the resident male eagle appeared in the sky above where they had just been.
After making a few passes, he dropped down and picked up a small piece of bait, which he quickly ate. Then he walked a few steps, dipped his beak low, and swallowed water. He repeated this several more times.
Although deep snow prevented me from seeing the ice surface, it was clear that he was using the freshly drilled ice-fishing hole to get a drink before it froze over in the sub-zero temperatures. Given the very cold winter we experienced this year and the complete lack of open water on the lake, it seems likely that this eagle has learned to quickly check fresh holes in the ice as a source of drinking water.
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.