Aerial Battle

   Earlier today as I was out using the grinder on some wrought iron pieces, I heard that "squeaky wheel" call again...a lot of squeaky wheel calling for that matter.  Turning off the grinder, I saw that three Bald Eagles were directly overhead.  That was a tad unusual...three?  Then I understood.  This was a battle for territory.  A battle for mating and nesting rights was being fought.  The screeching continued as one poor bird was being pummeled.  Again and again, the eagle was being attacked by one of the other birds.  The third eagle simply circled the two and screamed.  The female probably thought the males were acting a tad ridiculous with all of their squabbling but the males were relentless. This battle was not going to end well.  One of the male eagles would have to leave the area.

  After a bit, two eagles flew off to a spot where I knew an aerie was being built.  I assumed the original pair were still together.  They have been nesting just east of the house for the past ten years or so.  I was just about to restart my grinder when a sad scream came from the west.  Oh, my goodness! The other eagle was still here.  I made my way around to the lane and spied the eagle on a low limb.  He was distraught and browbeaten but seemed to not be hurt.  My heart went out to the bird and I tried to console him.  I knew he could not understand the words but perhaps he understood the love and respect I have for him regardless of the fact that he had lost the battle.

  Life will go on for all of the eagles involved in today's tussle.  Since eagles usually mate for life, the pair nesting just east of the house will hang around for years to come.  The unlucky male that lost his battle today will find a mate and a new territory.  Most likely, it will not be far from here since he was born and raised in the area and there is a good food source here.  The rise in the numbers of eagles is a good indicator that things are going well and the Bayou is healthy.