Orcas Island, WA showdown: Blue heron, bald eagle fight goes viral
WATCH: Blue heron fights bald eagle at WA marina
An employee at Deer Harbor Marina on Orcas Island caught a battle between a great blue heron and a bald eagle on video last week.
ORCAS ISLAND, Wash. - An employee at a marina on Orcas Island heard a disturbing sound coming from the docks, only to find himself with a front-row seat to a battle between a great blue heron and a bald eagle.
Bald eagle vs. great blue heron
The video has since gone viral on Facebook, racking up nearly 3 million views since it was posted July 8.
What they're saying:
"Ironically, while the U.S. was taking on Belgium Monday night, another all-American showdown was happening right here at Deer Harbor Marina," Deer Harbor Marina wrote in the caption. "Even the local birds are competing for the best waterfront views in Deer Harbor!"
FOX 13 Seattle tracked down the employee behind the camera to get his take on the rare duel between a wading bird underdog and an all-American raptor. He said the fight happened in the evening while he was making dinner inside the employee's houseboat at the marina.
"I just heard unusual noises outside and went to see things by myself, where I noticed the bald eagle standing on the dock looking at the blue heron," said Povilas Žeimys, Deer Harbor Marina employee.
He noted that the blue heron being in deep water, rather than at a typical wading depth, was unusual behavior.
"They just ‘argued’ for a bit before going their separate ways," said Žeimys. "The blue heron swam away and the bald eagle, after 15 seconds or so, flew away also. Both animals seemed safe after all."
According to the marina, the final score of the standoff was "Great Blue Heron: 1, Bald Eagle: 0."
Žeimys said this is not the first wildlife encounter he has had at Deer Harbor Marina. Last May and summer, he witnessed a pod of orcas show up at the marina's basin and circle around. Guests at the marina see seals and otters hanging around almost every day.
More about Deer Harbor Marina
Deer Harbor Marina is located on the southwest side of Orcas Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. A long-established waypoint for Pacific Northwest boaters, the marina sits in an area known for its waterfront views and regional wildlife.
The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
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