Eagles are often nearby in Auke Bay, flying over our lawn or perching in trees or on promontories, especially when salmon are in the creek. Crows and small birds often land on the lawn. But not eagles.  So it was novel and surprising to see two big but immature bald eagles standing not far apart on the lawn on a gray, dark day recently, as rain threatened.

The protagonists, interacting while maintaining deniability, and perhaps while avoiding direct eye contact: 131A2072-Edit 131A2078-Edit

Stalking about:

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Feigning indifference: 131A2089-Edit

There were indications passion was the motive: they seemed to be interacting while standing or strutting on the lawn; one sometimes lay flat in the grass, perhaps submissively and invitingly; and the other seemed to be checking out the invitation.

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Their closest observed physical encounters were sudden dustups, brief high-energy aerial engagements barely off the grass. There were no signs of affection or romance, notwithstanding whatever procreative passions motivated them. Perhaps dustups, with extended talons but no bloodshed, are a feature of Eagle Love. When they weren't engaged in mock combat, this pair alternately postured or feigned disinterest or were  distracted by a blue ball. Each kept an eye out for eagles passing overhead.

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One (seemingly the male, rather than the submissive one who appeared to be presenting "herself" when she lay flat) flew away several times. But "he" didn't go far, perching on the hedge or in a tree or orbiting nearby, before returning, and "she" (the submissive one) continued to stalk around or inspect the ball or lie flat. There were indications passion, if not romance, might yet be served.

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In the event, there was no consummation, at least not on the front lawn in plain sight. Perhaps, especially given that they were immature bald eagles, this was their first date with each other and, indeed, with anyone. Perhaps, like awkward teenagers, they didn't quite know what they were doing or how to proceed. Or perhaps they ended their courtship because they just didn't think it was worth the trouble.   

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It was an entertaining encounter. I photographed them from inside, mostly through double-paned glass, concerned that going outside might cause them to fly off, and that, at the least, they would be out of sight while I moved and might consummate eagle love before I could resume photographing. Eventually the more dominant eagle flew off a final time. When the submissive one finally took off, perhaps disappointed at her suitor's lack of ambition, her wingtips and talons were barely off the grass and she tried to land in a close-by Norway maple tree that was not nearly sturdy enough to support her. She crashed through the branches and flew off for good.

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The grassy boudoir was abandoned by both would-be participants.

Maui posts resume next.