Getaway Series

I'm back where I started from with my attempt to share this series of Bald Eagle action photos.

Here is the story:  

It was the first day that the Pink Salmon where returning to the Valdez, Alaska hatchery.  Right behind the salmon where Seals, Sea Lions and lots of Bald Eagles.  The eagles where still very hungry from the long cold winter so the competition for available salmon was intense.  I was shooting photos of Sea Lions when I noticed some dramatic action among the eagles across the channel so I started photographing them instead.  This series of shots happened to have a story thread that developed as I was shooting.  This is the first image in the series.  Please view them large after reading the headings for each one.

A juvenile Bald Eagle in the center has possession of a salmon.  The other juvenile directly behind it and peeking over it's shoulder (you have to look close) is the main character of this series.

Another adult Bald Eagle drops from the sky and nails the juvenile with the fish.  The juvenile who is the main character of this series is still standing behind all the action.

The incoming adult eagle bowls the eagle that had the salmon into the other adult eagle that was snacking on scraps.  You can now see the main character's lower half in the background. 

As the momentum of the attack carries the original salmon possessor into the water on the other side of the rocks, the adult eagle on the right elevates to get out of the way.  The main character of this series is now visible in the background, calmly watching it all take place. 

While the original owner of the salmon is getting dunked by the attacker, the main character has decided to take advantage of the distraction and moves forward to grab the salmon carcass.  

As the battle continues, our main character drags the salmon off to the side where there is more room.  I suspect at this time, that it's contemplating the fact that it will most likely be the next victim if it doesn't take more drastic measures.

Our main character, the juvenile Bald Eagle, realizes that the only way to have the fish and eat it too is to take it somewhere else.  It launches with the fish in tow in the nick of time as the attacking adult eagle turns back and sees that the fish has been stolen.

Our Star character is in the air with the prize, much to the chagrin of the attacking adult and the other onlookers that had been hoping for scraps.

Our main character of this series makes a clean break with the stolen salmon carcass as the adult who beat up the other juvenile looks on in anger.

It appears to be a clean getaway.  The salmon thief is clear of the other eagles and working hard, with his heavy load, to gain some elevation.

The getaway is still going well.  The salmon thief is still working hard to gain some elevation as it leaves the scene.  
 

At this point the getaway is looking good.  The salmon thief has gained some elevation and put some distance between it and the other eagles.

Just when it was looking good, the clean getaway turns into hot pursuit.  The adult eagle that had beat up the other juvenile to get the salmon is now hot on its tail.    
 

Finally, unable to get away from the angry adult eagle because of the heavy load, the salmon thief is forced to give up the prize in order save its hide. And that's the end of the great getaway!  

Cool series Gary!

Very nice series.  Bet that was a lot of fun to watch and photograph!

Very nice, Gary!

Excellent series and great narration!
Sandy