White House shares eagle-goose image while the real battle saw the goose survive

The White House’s recent X post featured a bald eagle perched on a Canada goose, suggesting a clear power dynamic. However, the scene was based on a documented 20-minute confrontation on frozen Lake Ontario captured about a year and a half ago in Burlington, Ontario. Photographer Mervyn Sequeira recorded the goose defending itself with hisses and pecks, ultimately surviving after the eagle withdrew.

Sequeira posted a series of images on Instagram and discussed the event with media, which was also covered by one outlet. The White House’s picture does not correspond exactly to any of Sequeira’s shots, and it bears resemblance to other photographs taken in 2021. Online responses ranged from beaver memes to a Build Canada agency post showing a goose raising its wing. The story highlights how the White House’s visual messaging can diverge from the original wildlife footage.