Ballston Lake Eagle Puts on Patriotic Fourth of July Weekend Show

Ballston Lake Eagle Puts on 4th of July Show

* See video below

While fireworks lit up the skies over the Fourth of July weekend, one bald eagle on Ballston Lake put on a show that may have stolen the holiday.  Side note: Team USA coulda used a little of her spirit last night versus Belgium.

Anyway, I digress.

The incredible video, shared by the folks at Ballston Lakeview Tavern, shows America's bird struggling to lift an enormous fish from the water. Rather than giving up, the eagle did exactly what these powerful birds are known to do when a catch is simply too heavy to fly.

Bald Eagle grabs a big fish and powerfully swims to shore on Ballston Lake.  Photo: Screengrabbed from Facebook

Ever Seen an Eagle do a Butterfly Stroke?

Instead of letting go, it used its wings like oars, performing what's often described as a "butterfly stroke" to swim its prize all the way to shore.

Once on land, the eagle rested, dried its feathers, and enjoyed a well-earned meal before eventually flying off. Tavern staff said the bird was "fine" and called the entire experience "spectacular."

Wildlife experts say female bald eagles are about 25% larger than males and typically catch the biggest fish, making it likely this was a hardworking mom gathering dinner for her family.

Video Goes Viral with Nearly 30k Impressions

And the comments were almost as entertaining as the video.

"I've never seen an eagle master the butterfly stroke!" one viewer wrote.

Another joked it was the "Freedom Breaststroke."

Whether you call it determination, survival, or simply the most patriotic thing you'll see all week, this Ballston Lake eagle reminded us why they remain one of America's most incredible and beloved symbols.