You know that something intense is going on when every single bird on the beach takes flight. One moment, 100 birds on the beach. Seconds later, none.
The cause of all this commotion? An immature Bald eagle out for an afternoon jaunt.
Bald eagles mature at age four. If you see an eagle in the Puget Sound lowlands that is mostly brown with a few splotches of white here and there, it is most likely a Bald eagle. It is estimated that there are 60 breeding pairs of Golden eagles in Washington State, but they prefer the open country east of the Cascades.
Meanwhile, back on the beach...
After a few minutes, several of the locals decided that they weren't too impressed with the visitor.
The crow was first to express its displeasure. Landing close to the eagle, but not too close, the crow shared its feelings about the situation. The eagle was only moderately impressed.
When simple conversation didn't get rid of the interloper, the crow moved on to dive bombing and mobbing the eagle. This was moderately more successful. At least, the crow had the eagle's undivided attention.
Back and forth with multiple passes went the crow.
Not to be outdone, the Caspian terns took their turns passing low and fast over the eagle's head.
Finally, this teenager got the message that it was not welcome and took off for friendlier environs.
To see a video of the eagle on the beach, go to