There’s no lack of courage among the black birds. (Exhibit B: the eagle/crow face off I photographed last October.) I joke that Bald Eagles in Seattle are never without a personal entourage, usually crows and gulls. In this particular altercation, a Red-winged Blackbird joined the squadron as the eagle flew over Union Bay Natural Area (Montlake Fill) in the U District. The mobbing was in response to the Bald Eagle’s unsuccessful dive on ducks below. Eventually, the eagle was escorted — bare-taloned — out of the area. Crows prevailed.
Related Quark Post: Exhibit A in Mobbing Behavior
Entering Crow Air Space - ©ingridtaylar
I was focused on the eagle in the photo below and didn’t expect the ducks to flush right in front of me. So, in this shot, the ducks are but specters on the eagle’s horizon.
The Quest - ©ingridtaylar
Undetected - ©ingridtaylar
Actually, No ... Spotted - ©ingridtaylar
"Eagle 1 . . . I Repeat . . . What are your intentions?"
Attack - ©ingridtaylar
Red-Winged Blackbird Joins the Force - ©ingridatylar
Backup Arrives - ©ingridtaylar
Moving on Out - ©ingridtaylar
Exit Escort in Silhouette - ©ingridtaylar
Incredible series! Wow. I still can’t figure out how crows manage to chase such large birds away. I would think that one stab or peck from the eagle or hawk and it would be the end of the crow. Yet, the crows usually seem to win.
great series — great proximity!!!!
very cool…great photos.
Thanks, guys. Sorry for the delayed response to your kind comments.