Swallows bully eagle

The Bald Eagle is often seen harassing others. I have watched it bully ospreys, herons, and even an otter (and this doesn’t include things it was trying to eat). So, it was satisfying to see an eagle being bullied by another bird—and by a Tree Swallow, no less.

The Tree Swallow is not a large bird; it weighs only about 20 g. The Bald Eagle is massive by comparison and might weigh about 5000 g—some 250 times as heavy. Yet, in this case the swallows had a nest in a piling, so when a sub-adult eagle happened by, they felt a need to defend it.

When the eagle landed, it was probably unaware of the swallow nest only eight meters from its perch—it didn’t remain unaware for long. Abruptly swallow parents attacked in succession. They kept it up, again and again, until the eagle tired of it and left.

“What are you doing? I just stopped by for a rest.”

“If I could catch you, I’d make you sorry.”

“What did I ever do to deserve this treatment (as if I don’t know)?”

“Nuff”s enough; I’m outahere.”