BirdNote Daily Bald Eagles' Daredevil Cartwheel Flight
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Jan 10, 2026 Witness the thrilling courtship of bald eagles as they lock talons high in the sky! This daring display, known as the 'cartwheel display,' sees them spinning towards the earth in a breathtaking aerial dance. The talon clasp can last for hours, showcasing both aerial prowess and a touch of romance. Occasionally, these magnificent birds find themselves struggling to land while still entangled, adding an element of risk to their courtship ritual. Nature truly has its own heart-stopping drama!
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Dramatic Courtship Cartwheel
- Two adult bald eagles lock talons and cartwheel toward the ground as part of courtship behavior.
- Their clasp can last for hours before they finally unlock and fly off together.
Risky Acrobatics Reveal Mating Boldness
- The entangled pair deliberately spin toward Earth, disengaging just before impact in a risky aerial display.
- This behavior mixes high acrobatics with genuine hazard, revealing bold mating rituals.
When Cartwheels Go Too Far
- Sometimes the two birds fail to release and reach the ground still locked in each other's talons.
- Rival adults also perform the same wild flight while competing for mates or territory.