A pair of bald eagles photographed from the Walgreen’s parking lot at 395 Broad Street. (Photos by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Over the past two decades, the sight of bald eagles over the Navesink and Swimming Rivers and other parts of Red Bank have become increasingly common, especially in January, when they seem particularly active as they prepare to mate and nest.
This January has been a particularly good one for eagle watchers as New Jersey removed the species from the state endangered species list. Right on cue, at least one adult and several juveniles have been spotted just about every day in Red Bank, causing us to be late for work more than once.
But the scene Friday over the Dunkin’ Donuts and Hot Bagels Brooklyn’s Best at the corner of Broad Street and Newman Springs Road was perhaps the topper – two juvenile bald eagles engaged in an dramatic aerial battle (or, perhaps a courtship ritual?) that lasted a full ten minutes.
It was a stunning sight, one truly unimaginable 40 years ago when pesticides had wiped the species off the New Jersey map. So we pulled the redbankgreenmobile into the Walgreen’s parking lot to watch.
The two juveniles, still splotchy and just getting their white heads and tail feathers of adulthood, swooped, dove, screeched and sized each other up like two rival teenagers in the alley behind the roller rink.
Then it was ON. Eagles have been known to lock talons in air and spiral to their death, especially when they’re in love. We held our breath hoping they wouldn’t come crashing down in pile of blood and feathers in the bagel shop parking lot.
Thankfully, after a battle of several minutes, they parted ways. One headed west towards Shrewsbury, the other northeast toward Fair Haven. We heard one last screech, which we interpreted as “that’s right punk. Fly away.”
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
