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The Marauder
The clouds were gray and promised more rain. The land below was still damp from the weather of yesterday. Her instincts told her to protect the young eaglets with her own body if necessary. They were not strong enough to endure the cold rain for an extended time. The nest was a sturdy assembly of sticks and limbs and lined with her own feathers. It was built in the top of a very tall tree nearby to the bay. She could observe her surrounding and knew the nest was secure from the threats of all predators - except another eagle.

Her lifelong mate was never far away except as he ranged over his hunting grounds. This was their third year together, and he had proven himself a reliable provider. He did most of the hunting during this phase of the cycle. As the chicks grew older and developed their feathers, she would accompany him on the hunts to gather food for the greedy mouths.

This morning had been uneventful. Her handsome and elegant-looking mate had returned with a small fish which she shared with the two chicks. He left to continue his hunt again, and she attended the nest. Her duties sometimes included cleaning debris from the nest, but mostly it was a time of boredom. This was about to change as the image on the horizon grew closer. As she watched, it became discernable as another eagle. It was not her mate returning, but rather, it was an intruder into her territory. Instantly, she became alert. Her sharp eyes kept watch as the marauder approached. She prepared to defend the nest and her chicks from the invader. This was likely a young male without a mate. Sometimes, this type would devour the chicks from the nest. As he began to draw near, she moved to the edge of the nest in order to launch herself to meet him in the air.

Suddenly, she heard the distant cry of her mate. He was returning in 'the nick of time'. He, too, had seen the interloper and intercepted him only a hundred yards from the nest. Without warning, the mighty birds were locked in a mortal battle. Usually, this type of encounter lasted only a short time. However, when it came to defending the nest, it would end in death if necessary. Talons were extended and locked together at a high point. As they plummeted in the familiar helicopter manner, it was a time of decision. If one of the birds did not release the talon lock, both would crash to the ground and possibly die. The fight continued. The young male released the lock and climbed higher as he sought a more strategic position. As they locked talons again, they began anew the spinning drop. Finally, the larger male dominated and the bachelor decided he wanted to live to fight another day. As the meddler made his escape, the exhausted but triumphant male settled on a nearby limb to rest and preen himself.


© 2010 - William C. Highsmith

By William C. Highsmith - July 14, 2010