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

Bald Eagle in Flight in Seattle

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

Bald Eagle in Flight at UW Botanic Gardens

Undetected - ©ingridtaylar

American Crow and Bald Eagle in Flight

Actually, No ... Spotted - ©ingridtaylar

Bald Eagle and American Crow in Flight in Seattle

"Eagle 1 . . . I Repeat . . . What are your intentions?"

Crow Attacking Bald Eagle in Seattle

Attack - ©ingridtaylar

Red-winged Blackbird Mobbing Bald Eagle

Red-Winged Blackbird Joins the Force - ©ingridatylar

Crows Mobbing Bald Eagle at Union Bay Natural Area in Seattle

Backup Arrives - ©ingridtaylar

American Crow Mobbing Bald Eagle in Seattle

Moving on Out - ©ingridtaylar

Bald Eagle and Crow in Silhouette

Exit Escort in Silhouette - ©ingridtaylar