Watching Eagles Talk

Unless you see two eagles together, it can be very difficult to determine the sex of Bald Eagles.  While swimming in the lake yesterday, we saw "our" eagle perched in her tree.  Of course the great debate ensued as to whether our eagle was male or female.  Fortunately, our discussion was solved relatively quickly.  From seemingly out of nowhere another Bald Eagle hovered in flight, talons extended, as if to land in the tree.  "Our" eagle immediately started squawking, and the hovering eagle answered back.  "Our" eagle squawked again and the hovering eagle immediately took off.  How do I know our eagle is female?  Easy.  I just watched the interaction. Mr. Eagle came home and said ,"Honey, I've been out all day and I can't seem to find any fish.  She squawked back, "Get out there and don't come back until you have some fish."  And off he went.  If you have ever doubted that animals can communicate, just listen to eagles talk.