Wildlife photographer Doug Gemmell recently captured a scene so unusual that it could redefine “street food.” What began as a simple outing to photograph birds of prey turned into an unexpected look at how wildlife adapts to city life.
Doug Gemmell, a well-known photographer specializing in raptors, set out to capture images of a young bald eagle—one of North America’s most recognized birds of prey. He anticipated a classic moment: the eagle diving gracefully toward a lake to demonstrate its famous fishing skills.
Instead, the bird veered off in a completely different direction. To Gemmell’s surprise, it headed straight toward a parking lot. He continued taking photos as the eagle swooped down among cars and asphalt, a moment that felt more like an urban improvisation than a wilderness hunt.
Later, while reviewing his photos, Gemmell spotted something that made him stop and stare. The eagle was proudly perched, gripping an unexpected trophy—a slice of pepperoni pizza.
“It’s not something you see every day, that’s for sure,” Gemmell said with a laugh.
The amusing yet thought-provoking scene highlighted just how flexible urban wildlife can be when navigating human-dominated environments.
Author’s summary: A wildlife photographer’s encounter with an eagle clutching a pizza slice reveals both the humor and adaptability of urban wildlife.