Photographs epic battle between American Bald eagle, Canada goose in symbolic showdown
Goan photographer Mervyn Sequeira captures a Canada goose and a Bald eagle battling it out on an icy lake in Burlington-Ontario.
TORONTO
A dramatic encounter between two national symbols – an American Bald eagle and a Canada goose – has been immortalised by Ontario-based Goan photographer Mervyn Sequeira.
The 74-year-old Canadian, originally from Mapusa-Goa, managed to capture the breathtaking clash on the frozen waters of Burlington Bay, Ontario. Drawing parallels to the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada perhaps?
A former commercial pilot turned passionate amateur photographer, Mervyn described the spectacle as nothing short of a real-life coincidence.
“I know people are comparing this to what’s going on between Canada and the US,” he said when asked about the striking imagery.
“I only post my pictures of nature and wildlife on Instagram and have no control over what viewers see in my photographs. I’m just trying to document what I see in the wild as best as I can.”
It is apparent, that Mervyn’s stunning images, which were captured on February 23 and have been acclaimed across the globe, tell a gripping tale of resilience.
The Bald eagle, a powerful raptor and symbol of American strength, relentlessly attacked the Canada goose, swooping down several times to overpower it. However, the defiant goose stood its ground, fiercely fending off the eagle’s assaults.
In a surprising turn of events, after 20 minutes of intense struggle, the Bald eagle inexplicably abandoned the fight and soared away, leaving the battered but victorious goose behind.
The striking visual narrative has sparked widespread interpretation, with many seeing it as a metaphor for the ongoing economic battles between the neighbouring nations.
Yet, for Mervyn, whose passion for nature and wildlife knows no bounds, the moment was simply an example of nature’s raw intensity.
“It’s just how my 500mm lens helped me capture a good wildlife story”, he reflected. “But I understand why others could look at it in a different light.”
Whether viewed as an artistic masterpiece, a symbol of national rivalry, or a stark reminder of survival in the wild, Mervyn’s images have undeniably captured the imagination of many.
His work continues to highlight the unexpected drama that unfolds in the natural world – sometimes mirroring the conflicts of human society in the most extraordinary ways.
Mervyn has been photographing Canadian wildlife since he arrived in Canada from Goa about 30 years ago.
Talking to The Goan, he said, “Our family is originally from Mapusa. My brother Denzil is now in Siolim and Mandrem.”
Goan photographer Mervyn Sequeira captures a Canada goose and a Bald eagle battling it out on an icy lake in Burlington-Ontario.
