Robbed in mid-air

[AgingEyes]

Saw this today (sorry for the poor quality) :



At first I didn't know they were not brothers Anyhow, it looked like they were fighting. I didn't know for what though. Afterwards, the bald eagle stayed behind and then strayed away. But this one kept flying in my direction (sort of) :



I guess they were fighting for food. If you look closely, you can see what looks like the remnant of some duck in its talons.

[mn shutterbug]

Your first shot is very interesting and dramatic, but the second one is a winner.

[Loupey]

Very cool! My guess is that the juvenile is still just mooching off his parents for food.

I witnessed a similar scene recently when an American kestrel flew through a field patrolled by harriers. The kestrel had a prey in her talons and the harrier flew after her. The kestrel dropped the meal during the escape and the harrier got a free lunch.

[ciddog91]

This is not a site you see often. Nice catch. I like the second one because of the colors and clarity, but the 1st one is rare, therefore a "one of a kind".
Good job..

Phil

[karen m.]

Very cool, what a great sight to see.

[AgingEyes]

Thanks for looking and the comments!

I guess I was lucky to be there to witness the incident. A couple also saw it but they didn't have the camera with them. I'm happy that I caught both of the eagles with their talons on the prey at the same time. I just wish the photo quality were better...and that the bald eagle could put up a better fight. Well, may be next time.....

Oh, is that a red-tail hawk, golden eagle or something else?

[Canon_Bob]

This is actually pretty typical of Bald Eagles. We see it here regularly. They especially like picking on the Osprey! I think the Osprey actually figure they have to "pay off" the Baldys so they can get some food for themselves. It's incredible how agile such a big bird is in-flight.

[AgingEyes]

This is actually pretty typical of Bald Eagles. We see it here regularly.

You lucky guy with all those exotic, beautiful birds just around the corner.

Ok, ok, you did tell us you do have to drive around to find them