Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report
A few days ago, I noticed two
BALD EAGLES stroking swiftly with deadly determination towards me. The adult
seemed to be pursuing the subadult, quickly closing the gap. I immediately
froze, camera at the ready. Whenever two eagles (or ravens) get that close,
something interesting usually happens. Sure enough, the fierce adult caught up
with the younger bird just overhead, menacing golden talons extended. The
younger bird quickly flipped over, presenting its sharp talons in defense. The
giants briefly locked weapons, falling earthward, then disengaged, and as
quickly sped off. One peeled off and away as the other veered and circled back
to attend to whatever business was waiting.
Wow! It happened in a flash
and ended so fast! I was just relieved to be an inconsequential, stunned
observer, of zero interest to either magnificent bird.
Coincidentally, not a minute
later, two RAVENS flew past and repeated the flip-claws-touch-flip-flyby-ta da!
But then, these excellent aerial acrobats do this all the time just for fun.
Maybe they were inspired by the Eagles to show off.
Mid-May seems to be a very
active time for both Eagles and Ravens as mating pairs and territories are
established. Youngsters are driven away from the ol' homestead, as pair bonds
are strengthened. Keep an eye out whenever you see two eagles flying too close
together; sparks might fly!
Check out this link to a
similar situation in Duluth Minnesota, "Two
bald eagles in air battle crash-land at airport":
<http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/nature/post/two-bald-eagles-in-air-battle-crash-land-at-airport>
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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