Dog fight in the sky...

by Amanda Cross
(Beachville, Ontario, Canada)

This was sent to us last summer from one of our readers ... I live in Beachville, Ontario, and yesterday afternoon, July 12th around 4:00 pm I looked up and spotted a bird with a noticeably white tail.

When it circled around I was able to confirm that it was in fact a Bald Eagle.

My family watched it soar for several minutes, then a larger bird, which I have not yet been able to identify approached the Eagle.

I'm not sure if birds are territorial, but this seemed to me that it was suggestive that the Eagle was encroaching on this other bird's territory.

This large bird was soon accompanied by a second (I have seen these birds a couple of times and really wish I could identify them).

The Eagle began to gain altitude, and cried out several times. Eventually, although they were too high and in front of the sun to see identifying markings other than shape and size, I believe the Bald Eagle was accompanied by a second Bald Eagle.

It was fascinating to watch these four birds engaged in battle until they climbed up too high to really see what was going on.

I have never seen a Bald Eagle in the wild before, and wasn't aware that any lived in the area, so it was a pleasantly surprising experience.

Thank you for sending us your report of your Bald Eagle sighting - I found a picture of Bald Eagles in flight, which is part of their mating ritual, and added it to your submission, I hope you don't mind.

I will also post this on our facebook page.