This is The Daredevil. One of my greatest joys has been getting to know him. Becoming familiar with his movements and his favorite spots to perch. Did you know that each eagle has a hidden escape route through the thick forest? Think of a tunnel but it winds through a forest. I always think of that Star Wars footage of the land speeders racing through the forest. (I actually visited that area btw.)
When a eagle has a fish another eagle can try and take the fish! The chased eagle (If close to it’s escape route?) can fly into the forest knowing when to dart left or right but the pursuing eagle does not know the route and will either give up or most likely crash and burn!
I’ve seen this happen several times. The eagle with a fish seemingly disappears into a solid wall of green,being hotly pursued by a second eagle. Then usually seconds later I hear a loud crashing noise! The crashed eagle cannot take to the air due to the dense packing of trees. So It has to hop along the ground in a desperate fashion! It makes all sorts of noise desperately trying to get off the forest floor! It knows it’s very vulnerable to ground predators and by making so much noise It can attract a nearby ground predator?
and the other eagle being pursued exits the forest tunnel victoriously with it’s prize!
Tofino Photography 
They are pretty clever! So I guess the Daredevil doesn’t mind that you know his escape route?
I think he’ll mind when I grow wings. Yes,very clever indeed Audrey!
What an amazing feat!
when I first saw It I couldn’t believe a bird with a 7 foot wing span could enter a forest at high speed?
I’m so glad you wrote about an eagle’s high speed getaway and how impressive it is. I would never have known, otherwise.
actually Anne, very few people are aware of this to begin with!
Ah, but you’ve let me in on the secret!
and you keep it a secret young lady :)
Yes, sir!
Great photo and commentary Wayne. And your Star Wars analogy? That’s Art imitating Life! Well said and seen!
I will change it Babsje
I will change it Babsje
looks perfect now and now I will delete this comment
Thanks you’re the best!
Great commentary and photo of the Daredevil. What a way to escape with the prize!
thank you Hazel, he’s remarkable!
You’re welcome, Wayne!
Amazing creatures!
They are Anita and Jaye!
Incredible shot – I am impressed that eagles have thought about their escape routes in advance….good planning!
thank you Emma! Competition creates ingenuity
Very interesting. I did not know eagles had an escape route. The picture is fantastic.
thank you Peggy! Only in their own territory where they are very familiar with the forest.
Thank you for sharing this fascinating information about eagle behavior. The Daredevil is handsomely fierce.
I like that,”handsomely fierce”! Next time I see him I will tell him you mentioned that Liz!
Thank you, Wayne!
That’s amazing! I didn’t know anything about an eagle’s escape route, and thank you for telling us.
My pleasure Martha! They do have a few tricks up their wings!
Very interesting! That’s a very dramatic photo of your favorite eagle, too.
shhhhhh,don’t say that too loud Doug as Romeo’s beak might get bent~
btw,I have to mention that over the years I have joined your blog many times but never bet any posts? I think your computer must think I’m Spam?
Hello, Wayne!
How is everything going, my friend? That was a fascinating story. Are you telling us that your act is disappearing? I hope not. Keep chucking.
things are great Noel and thank you for asking!
I’m always impressed at how well you photograph the delicious food you create!
I enjoy taking photos of my food. Even though I only eat fish, shrimp, and vegetables. But I am getting weary. Ever since I changed the name, google stopped indexing the blog. And I am too cheap to build my website.
well, you do a excellent job of presentation Noel! I certainly appreciate the effort!
You are becoming an eagle biologist! Ornithologists everywhere, take note!
thank you Noelle but I’m just a guy who loves Eagles.
And who is exceptionally observant. You do us all a favor by passing on your wisdom.
thank you Noelle!
Eagles never cease to amaze me, Wayne. How interesting and your description of their flight through the route is perfect. the Daredevil is an amazing specimen!
thank you Terri.I suspect in a given territory that there are many escape routes the host eagle knows about?
that is quite the scenario about the chase! I could visualize it as I read.
It would be something to have a camera on the chasing eagle wouldn’t it!
Oh yes!
Your Star Wars analogy made me smile, Wayne, that was a scene I enjoyed. This must be a great spectacle to watch.
ha ha,…yes that scene was something else wasn’t it! I’m pretty sure It must look similar! I would love to see it from the chasing eagles perspective!
Me too.
I think George Lucas imagination must have been inspired by an eagle. Sounds like the eagle that crashed and is now stuck on the forest floor is throwing a raptor-rant-um.
good one Beth! They are very scared by the time they reach the shore!
Never knew so much about eagles. Thanks for the great information, Wayne.
my pleasure Kamal!
thanks
That is fascinating, Wayne. Thank you! I can see why the Star Wars chase comes to mind. By the way, please submit that photo of Daredevil to National Geographic. Wow!
thanks Jennie but Nat Geo isn’t interested in my work. They hire pros and do not solicit.
I meant their annual photo contest. You’re a sure winner.
oh ,thanks Jennie!
👍
That’s an interesting factoid Wayne – soon it will be salmon season so they’ll be using their favorite escape route when catching a prized salmon.
not actually……when the salmon spawning happens all the eagles (and bears.cougars,wolves) travel to the stream from their territories. So I do not think visiting eagles know of any forest routes but to be honest because there is usually lots of salmon laying around, nobody gets greedy! So no need to use a forest tunnel even If you knew of one.
OK, I see – they are far enough from their territories that they don’t implement “the plan” then.
I found this explanation of an eagle’s escape route completely enlightening, Wayne. How utterly wonderful for you to have witnessed this. Thanks so much.
to see a bird with a wing span of 7 feet completely disappear into a thick forest again and again was jaw dropping!