In a tranquil corner of the Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey, something extraordinary unfolded, catching the attention of Jacob Stem and captivating the hearts of millions around the world. As an avid kayak fisherman, Stem was no stranger to the wonders of nature, but what he witnessed that day was truly remarkable.

Amidst the peaceful waters, Stem heard a loud splash that instantly piqued his curiosity. His gaze fixed upon a majestic bird of prey, swimming gracefully in the middle of the reservoir. At first, he thought it might be an osprey or an eagle diving for a catch, but what he soon realized left him in awe. It was an eagle swimming across the water—a sight he had only seen in videos before. Swiftly grabbing his camera, Stem kept a safe distance form the animal while capturing the event through a zoom lens.

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Bald Eagles are found in various parts of North America, including Merrill Creek Reservoir in New Jersey.

"It was pretty neat," Stem told USA Today. "To see something like that, it could be a once in a lifetime thing."

With each deliberate stroke of its wings, the eagle propelled itself forward, determined to conquer the challenge before it. And when it finally reached land, the stunning truth was revealed—it clutched a sizable fish firmly in its talons. Stem couldn't contain his excitement. This was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, an extraordinary display of nature's resilience and beauty.

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Bald eagles are known for their exceptional fishing skills, swooping down from the sky to catch fish with their sharp talons.

Eager to share this breathtaking encounter, Stem posted the video on his Instagram page, where he regularly chronicles his outdoor adventures.

"One of the CRAZIEST things I’ve seen on the water!!" Stem captioned his post. "I heard this BIG splash into the water and saw these eagle a ways away in the water. After a few minutes I saw it getting close to shore so figured it was dragging a big fish. So cool to see!!"

Photo: Pexels
While bald eagles are typically known for flying, they are also capable swimmers.

Little did he know that his recording would quickly go viral, leaving viewers across the globe awe-inspired. Within a short time, the video picked up more than 35 million views, captivating hearts and sparking conversations.

The comments section overflowed with wonder and gratitude as people marveled at the extraordinary scene they had witnessed through Stem's lens. Some playfully urged him to continue his extraordinary work, while others expressed their gratitude for being able to share in this awe-inspiring moment of natural wonder.

Photo: Pexels
Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey known for their impressive wingspan and striking appearance.

Stem, a sponsored kayak tournament angler and the college kayak series director for Slay Nation Tournament Fishing, said he hopes that his video will inspire others to embrace the world around them and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Regardless of whether one is a fishing enthusiast or not, he encourages everyone to venture into the great outdoors and immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

See for yourself in the video below!

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A post shared by Jacob Stem (@jake_stem_fishing)