Public Display of Affection in Flight

[liberalla]

18. "Aerial sky-dancing displays"

Also known as "flirting"
https://journeynorth.org/tm/eagle/annual/facts_courtship.html (a few small photos also)

Bald Eagle Courtship and Mating Facts.

Courtship is a time to develop and strengthen the pair bond, or form a new one.

Scientists have observed some mating behaviors on wintering grounds, but have also seen males and females start courting in breeding areas.

In addition to the spectacular aerial sky-dancing displays, courtship includes nest-building, perching, billing, and preening.

Bald eagles mate from the time of returning to the nest territory in early fall through egg laying, and sometimes a few months after. 

Like most birds, eagles are monogamous. If one of the pair dies, the lone eagle will find a new mate.

Adults may be vocal before, during, or after copulation.

Copulation occurs mostly before egg-laying but happens at other times too.

Gestation period: 5 - 10 days after copulation, the female lays one to three eggs.