While photographing birds you’d better be ready for anything because you just never know what they’re going to do.
Three days ago while driving a fairly remote road we spotted this sub-adult Golden Eagle perched atop a power pole in northern Utah. Lately I’ve largely given up even trying to photograph raptors on power poles because of issues with ugly perches, wires and steep angles but I find it very difficult to drive by a Golden Eagle so I stopped and took a few documentary images and hoped I might get lucky with some takeoff shots.
We also noticed a second eagle on a power pole down the line but at this point we didn’t pay much attention to it. Notice the somewhat unusual white “eyebrows” on this bird that are helpful in distinguishing it from the other eagle that we’re about to see.
This eagle took off mostly away from me so I started to drive down the road again. As I began to get a little closer to the second eagle on the faraway pole we noticed this one turn in the air and begin to fly in the direction of the perched bird so I hurried on down the road in the hopes of seeing some kind of interaction or altercation as the “eyebrow” eagle approached the other bird.
I stopped my pickup and aimed my lens just in time to photograph the beginning of the encounter. At this point I could see that both birds were sub-adults. I thought there was going to be an aggressive encounter and from the posture of the perched bird I suspect it might have been prepared for the same thing but it soon became apparent…
that the intention of the approaching eagle was to land on top of the insulator with the other eagle. But there appeared to be no room for both huge birds on that perch so I figured one bird would vacate the premises, perhaps after a brief squabble. But I was wrong.
Both eagles were stubborn and reluctant to give up the perch so they tussled and jockeyed for position on the insulator. It lasted long enough that I took 14 shots with one bird still in the air but so close to the other one that they were obviously in physical contact with each other the entire time.
Soon the two birds had all four feet on the perch but they were still trying to make room for their large bodies.
Eventually they were both able to stay atop the perch. I believe they were able to accomplish the feat because each bird appeared to place one foot on the insulator and the other on the adjacent wire. The “coziness” of the pair leads me to believe that they are siblings.
They stayed here for quite a while before they both flew off. At that point I figured the excitement was over but once again I was wrong. I drove further down the road and then noticed one of the eagles had landed on another pole in front of me and the second bird flying toward it.
Once again I rushed toward them hoping to get close enough to them in time for documentary shots of the developing encounter. I barely made it. Here the perched eagle (this time roles were reversed and the “eyebrow” bird was the one that was already perched) is turning on the insulator in preparation for meeting the incoming eagle head on.
And here it comes.
But at the last moment the perched eagle decided that discretion was the better part of valor and vacated the insulator…
just prior to the interloper claiming it.
That bird stayed on the insulator for a few minutes and then defecated and took off (away from me of course). At that point I left the area looking for other birds.
Seeing this fascinating behavior made me wonder how many times these two birds have done the same thing since they left the nest early last summer (assuming they’re siblings). And it also makes me curious as to precisely why they do it.
I may not know the reason for the behavior but I was absolutely delighted to have witnessed it.
Ron
Note – Most of these shots were taken at or close to the following image techs:
- 1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Addendum: There’s been some interest in the comments below in an encounter Barby Anderson had with a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk and a squirrel. She sent me some photos and I’ve included one of them below with Barby’s permission. If interested you can learn more about it in her comment.
Copyright Barby Anderson, image used by permission.
Incredible series Ron–wow! Thanks for the “play-by-play” and for sharing the images, power poles, insulators and all 😉
I’m the King of the Castle, You’re the Dirty Rascal.
How CAN anyone not think that birds (and animals) play. Or think that their emotions are markedly different to ours.
Hiss and spit.
Love Barby’s tale – and her photo. Thank you both so much.
I agree, and I have seen it, birds and animals in the wild have emotions. All one has to do is study them, watch them, and it shows very clearly. My crows all had different personalities and I loved them each for their unique traits. And my squirrel, who was so very brave to come near that hawk, that was the bravest I have ever seen. They are like us, we are all unique.
INDEED EC! What hubris we humans exhibit! When you think about it (which is where most humans fail), what are emotions other than behavioral responses to chemical changes in our bodies inspired by our environment/relationships (whatever is happening around us in variations of the fight/flight responses)? Why WOULDN’T critters have emotions? Uh, DUH!
Are the responses just like ours? First, we can’t know that without crawling into their heads and that’s just not available, but I would guess in most cases, yes. But there would necessarily be differences because of different cultures (yes, cultures, ways of being), priorities and realities of different species. I’ve found the reactions in parenthood to be pretty darn universal, and even universal in its diversity between individuals!
We humans are so darn arrogant!
Looks like sibling playtime for sure to me,also since they are both 1st year birds.
Barby, I LOVE your photo! I’ve seen that play out in real time and you just gotta laugh!
It was a strange occurrence for sure. I love the red-tailed hawk but also love my squirrels. Good thing a feeder was between them!
Sometimes it takes a while for the juvies to try for squirrels who are tough customers! And from that photo, that juvie wasn’t in position to make anything happen. That said, s/he’s certainly shooting the squirrel a good stink eye 🙂 Redtails aren’t that good from a standing start in close quarters and squirrels are fast! NOT happenin’! The good news is the juvie knew that.
Yes that is what I thought also, to close of quarters to maneuver around the big feeder. But how my squirrel would want to take that chance is beyond me. That squirrel knew me well, and was very close to me, she brought her babies to me when they were VERY young, never seen such small squirrel babies. She also used to lie down by my chair as we basked in the cool breeze. It would have been a funny pic for sure….
Barby, squirrels are fearless, especially when they’ve done the math and know they’re safe.
Back in my first year with Mariah (female redtail hawk), there was a female squirrel I’d named Annabell Lee who routinely ate out of my hand. So this one day, I walked Mariah back to the weathering yard (where they’re outside in the weather–another ancient falconry term). She was leashed to my glove, and here comes Annabell Lee when I was about halfway there. Ms. Annabell climbed up my jeans up onto my shoulder (right shoulder…Mariah was on my left fist) and chittered into my ear that I’d neglected to feed her!
Being a brand-new falconer, I had no idea how to handle that situation. I tried to brush her off my shoulder, but she wasn’t having any of THAT, so I just continued to the weathering yard, put Mariah on her perch and leashed her. I expected to be the centerpiece of a major battle, but that didn’t happen and all ended safely. Annabell Lee just moved onto my back as I bent over to leash Mariah and then climbed back up onto my shoulder when I straightened up. In her first year, Mariah didn’t pay any attention to squirrels whatsoever, but when Annabell Lee arrived on my shoulder, she did have a quizzical look as if, “what’s that?” It took another five years for Mariah to turn on to squirrels, and when that happened, she quickly became a terror to any squirrel within her sight.
Interesting! I guess when squirrels love you they will risk their life for food or anything! Squirrels are funny creatures. 🙂
Yes, squirrels are interesting and cool critters. I’m pretty sure Annabell Lee knew that Mariah wasn’t much of a threat (at that time). Mariah seriously ignored squirrels in her first year, so she would have noticed that behavior. But still… 🙂 Silly squirrel!
Laura, Annabell Lee sounds very special to me, but then I am sure Mariah is too. There really is no particular creature that I lean in favor for in the wild, I love them all. And as my naturalist father used to say when something sad happened to one in nature, “Balance of nature Barby, balance of nature.” He loved them all and tried to teach children about nature, I always remember him showing a big bull snake to children and teaching them to respect nature. He gave me a quite a legacy, I even like insects. Ron’s posts make me feel as if I also am seeing the magnificent creatures he photographs. That’s a gift in my book.
I’m with you Barby! I love my outside time. It’s just special!
Goldensgoldensgoldens!!! *Kermit flails and happy dance* It really does look like siblings goofing off and trying to one-up each other — Mine! No, mine! Mom always liked you best! Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! Besides the behaviors, you’ve captured the beauty of one of my favorite of all animal species in the fanned tails, wing and leg positions, and those gorgeously curved primaries — not to mention the talons and the glint off those amazing head/nape feathers.
I was going to add that the poop shot was the icing on the cake, but I don’t want people to get the wrong idea, so I’ll just refer to it as lightening the load before takeoff. 😉
P.S. That is one ballsy squirrel! 🙂 Barby, thanks for sharing some of your backyard entertainment. It must be a hoot on a regular basis — such fun! 😀
You are most welcome Marty, never a dull moment in my backyard! Thank you Ron for posting. It is nothing like your glorious photos you capture, but it was a fun time! I am in awe of your great skill Ron. Truly breathtaking shots.
Ha, I knew there was a good reason why I never liked white icing!
Ewwwwww! 0.o
HEHEHE Marty!! Yep, just like the Marsha! Marsha! Marsha! thing 🙂 We are FAR more alike than we are different. Thanks for the giggle!
Ron, those are beautiful and love the story you unfold. We all love animals and you give us pictures of their every day life. Thanks for being out on the “road again”.lol
It’s a great road to be on, Trudy. Thanks.
Oh MY! Yet another spectacular series of shots! And goldens…sigh! Have I ever mentioned how much I love the wonderfulness of goldens? Just gloriously beautiful. They’re right up there with redtails in my heart. LOL!
In watching the various nest cams, I discovered just how much behavior happens that’s not mentioned in the books, or if it is, it’s generally under the “that doesn’t ever happen” category. So much happens when folks aren’t looking. I’d definitely speculate that these two are siblings farting around in The Great Out There just like other kids of other species.
And the pooping before flight is usual in my very limited experience. I think of it as shedding ballast for flight 🙂
Again, thank you for ALL you do here!
“I discovered just how much behavior happens that’s not mentioned in the books”
Boy, isn’t that the truth, Laura! Thank you.
Great series. Beautifully shot!!
Thanks, Joanne.
I could write volumes, but I will just say, your abilities behind a camera are beyond amazing.
Take it from a guy who keep trying to do what you do. Keep amazing all of us, and keep
putting smiles on our faces… ;-)))
Thanks for your confidence in my skills, Roger. Sometimes things work out for me and sometimes they don’t. This was just one of those fortuitous events where things came together.
Your pictures are amazing, Roger…
Sibling rivalry? Great images, wonderful series!! To be honest never thought much about raptors defecating before they takeoff until your posts, just thought it was natural to unload before taking wing.
As you have said, persistence brings its own luck, but man you were on a fortuitous rural road. Congratulations!!
I’ve had a lot of fun with birds on that section of road, Dick. Another fairly recent example was the photos I posted this winter of a Rough-legged Hawk on a rabbit. That image was taken along the same section of road.
Oooooooooh!!!! Soooooo jealous!!!!! They sure acted like typical siblings…….look about the same age…my crows warned me of an “intruder” (four legs or two), but never really defended me….interesting experiences, Barby…..
I figured you might enjoy this series, Patty. I’d bet they’re siblings too.
Love the fanned tail in the fourth….
Oh my! Ron that is just fascinating! I had a juvenile red tailed hawk (I think) land on our back fence and it let me walk up to it and take about 40 shots. It was huge! I have no idea why it would allow me to do that in close range. Do you? Then my tame squirrel saw me with it and ran up up to it in a defense posture. I have pics of that too. The only thing I could think of was that this squirrel was afraid I would be hurt by the hawk. This also happened with my crow friends, they defended me while a Cooper’s Hawk flew towards me and I have a shot of that too. The fight was on above my head as Big Buck my huge male crow, and his family defended me. They pounded that hawk from above as it flew chest level toward me. Since then neighbors walked by and saw them do this also and said “I think the crows are defending you from me.” They did and I was very close to Buck and his family as they flew in to the yard each day. Once one of them brought me a stick of red licorice and dropped it at my feet. I read they bring gifts to ones they consider family. Not sure if that is true but for some reason wildlife comes to me in my tiny yard. Ron your pictures took my breath away seeing that encounter. Just amazing photography, you are gifted! Thanks so much! Barby
Barby, There could be several reasons for it allowing you such a close approach so I’m hesitant to guess. It sounds like your critters are very fond of you!
I hope so Ron, I love all that visit me in my yard. I wondered could I send you a pic of the hawk that let me walk up to it? I would love to have it identified. I am not sure what it was, as I have never seen one so close. I think it may have been a fattened up baby, it was so big, the legs and the talons were incredible to me, to study them so close. And looking into those eyes at close range, was something I will never forget. It returned a few times also. Barby
Sure, I’ll ID it if I can. I’ll send you an email that you can reply to and include the photo as an attachment.
I’d like to see that big bird, too…and the other shots mentioned…
With Barby’s permission I’ve forwarded them to you, Patty.
I’d love to see them too, if it’s ok with Barby.
It’s ok with me Marty. Ron has the pics. 🙂
I’ve added one of Barby’s photos to my post.
Ron,
Absolutely amazing. Especially for a “documentary” picture. It turned out more like a National Geographic Documentary. I have wondered about the “defecting before takeoff” concept. I have noticed that recently and am glad to hear you say it. That is when I “get ready!” Thanks again for great shots.
Stephen
It really works with raptors, Stephen – more often than not in my experience.
Thanks
Thanks, Ron! I got some laughs out of this series. I’d guess they are siblings, too. And if frequently ‘play’ is also skill-building, there’s a lot of fine adjustments here to enable both to perch on one insulator. But then again, maybe nest-mates who were used to sharing close quarters find ‘funnin around’ enjoyable… to a point.
There’s several possibilities to explain the behavior, Alison. Interesting to speculate about…
I am always impressed how the angle of the wings and feathers is so expressive of the activity and attitude of the birds. I am beginning to understand your ability, and the necessity to anticipate movement and direction when photographing them, even when they ultimately (and not so unexpectedly) surprise you with an unexpected agenda. I love these ‘documentary’ shots!
Thanks, Robert. Yes, anticipation is key to photographing birds. They’re often unpredictable but anticipation of behaviors sure helps to increase the odds in your favor.
Ohhhhhhhhmyyyyyyyyyyyyyygoooooossshhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂
Quite a show and quite a treat for you to be able to see it all. More defecating birds. Are we seeing a pattern here? Just joking of coarse. Thanks for doing these. Always appreciate you blog in the AM as I wait for the sun to rise.
“Are we seeing a pattern here?”
Frank, I thought about that too when I chose to post this image (after my recent red-tail post). But I chose this image because it illustrates something I’ve said many times – that raptors often defecate just prior to takeoff.
WOW! What a wonderful encounter and photo’s of it! 🙂 Amazing one of them didn’t get electrocuted!
Judy, There’s usually at least one eagle on that mile-long string of poles and that’s been the case for years. That tells me the design of the poles and wires must be “raptor-friendly”.
Love these shots! You’re right about never knowing what will happen. I am glad you were there that morning.
Cheers,
Gail
Birds are unpredictable, Gail. That’s part of the fun and excitement of photographing them.