Well I learned something this morning about eagles. Yesterday around dinner time, I went out to the garage to grab a bottle of wine. I could hear a strange piercing cry coming from the woods down by the river. I went to investigate and found 2 bald eagles tangled up in the brush on the ground. When I approached a bit to see if they were OK, one of them went full spread-eagle (literally) and clearly in protective mode. I backed off and went to the house.
I called the game department, who were closed for the day; but I was able to speak with the State Patrol dispatcher who took my information. I went back out there later, just before dark, and they were still on the ground, but didn't really react to my presence. They looked exhausted, and I was able to approach to within 10 feet of them to make sure they weren't bleeding or anything. I let them be. I was worried about predators messing with them - especially the bad dogs from the other side of the river that have been running deer down this year.
Early this morning, Fish and Game got back to me and after listening to my story, told me that eagles, when mating, will sometimes get hooked up like a dog and have a 'rough descent', which can leave them injured. She told me to see if they were still out there or not, and if they were, I would need to get ahold of a wildlife rehabilitator to come out. Luckily they were gone, with no sign of them other than a scattering of down feathers in the wild roses they were tangled up in.
I was so relieved! That's the closest I've ever been to an eagle and they are majestically intimidating up close. I'm so glad it ended well - I love to watch them soaring over the river at all times of the year. Sadly, we lost our 'eagle tree' this year to the river, where they would hang out and survey their territory. It was perfect for watching them interact and hunt, and hearing them call to each other. I'm sure they'll pick another tree that will work just as well.
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