An acquaintance asked me the significance of these following
encounters (which took place in the PNW). Crows mob eagles, I've seen
that of course, but I never knew why. What is the relationship
between these two species?

1) Huge, unseen commotion in a newly leafed-out deciduous tree.
Suddenly out flies an eagle with what appears to be a young crow in
its talons. Commotion continues, then out bursts a second eagle, with
a tail of very noisy crows.
2) A hiker is startled by an eagle, which swoops down toward him,
drops the partially decomposed body of a crow, and flies up and off.

Thanks for any thoughts.
kathy hornbein
estes park, co
kwren at charter.net