Wet bald eagle defends itself from another eagle

One bald eagle dives toward the face of another, challenging it for its catch of a dead salmon. A third eagle stands closely, carefully observing the conflict. These birds will often challenge each other for food or mates. If the third bird senses it has a chance at snatching the salmon, it won’t hesitate to get involved in this scuffle.

The wet bald eagle is defending its meal against the airborne bird. Bald eagle’s cannot fly with wet feathers. The water weight ruins the aerodynamics of the bald eagle. Bald eagles can swim fairly well, but eagle feathers are not waterproof; an eagle can easily catch hypothermia or even die if it remains in water for too long.

Stock Image #20141103-102942