By: Sally Siko- Admin Birdwatching NC

Last week, I had the opportunity to head down to Jordan Lake near Moncure, N.C. to photograph a flocking population of migrant Bald Eagles.
While snapping off some shots of a few juveniles fishing in the Haw River area, a pair of adults flew in and I got to see them swooping and sailing together right above the water.

With the breeding season underway here in central North Carolina, Bald Eagle behaviors change, as they shift from away from a largely independent life to living together as a couple.
This time period is known as “pair bonding,” and it’s a critical part of their breeding cycle.
As time passes, their courtship intensifies with both birds engaging in incredible aerial displays.
Bonded pairs will fly high in the air, lock talons, and fall toward the earth, holding together as the ground approaches, and releasing just in time to avert disaster.
It’s one of nature’s most awesome sights, and more that a little dangerous.
So what’s the point of this of risky behavior?

Bald Eagle courtship rituals reinforce the pair’s commitment to each other, which is important for propagation of the species.
After all, they need to stick together to hatch, feed and care for their young.

A less obvious (but interesting!) thing about Bald Eagle courtship displays is that they actually stimulate the birds so they release the appropriate hormones to optimize egg fertilization once copulation takes place.

Love is in the air, indeed 😉

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc
Canon 5Ds