At Bob Heirman park today the mostly frozen lake had an open area which
contained a whole bunch of ducks (Thousands) and 42 swans. A pair of eagles
flew overhead and then landed in the nearby fir trees. The background
muttering of the ducks increased significantly and groups starting leaving,
flying low and exiting at the furthest away point from where the eagles sat.
Even the swans left. After about half the ducks had flown, one of the eagles
made a pass and it was quacker pandemonium, lots of scurrying, splashing and
short hop flights. The eagle, did not attack and made a sharp uturn then
placidly flew back to its perch. Lots more ducks started leaving, this time
in smaller groups and mostly using the same far side exit point from the
lake. In the sky to the north the ducks formed large aerial rivers which
flowed back and forth. After several minutes of exodus, all that were left
were a trio of swans and about 150 ducks. The eagles made no more moves and
I was under dressed for the conditions so I reluctantly left, wondering if
those that stayed behind were either the bravest, the dumbest, or somehow
compromised.

Rob Sandelin
Naturalist, Writer, Teacher
Snohomish County, WA