PHILIP TORTORA

Free Press Staff Writer

An L.L. Bean display at Burlington's Town Center mall had a little more excitement than it bargained for Friday afternoon, when a European eagle owl at the display attacked another bird.

The owl attacked a Harris's hawk that also was part of the presentation, said Lorrie Schumacher of Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience. The display was set up near the fireplace on the mall's lower level as part of the grand-opening celebration for L.L. Bean.

"They've never, ever have gone after each other," Schumacher said after the incident. "They're always in close proximity, we make sure their leashes are not too close, and this time it was a matter of inches. They're predators."

Witnesses said the owl was firmly squeezing the hawk in its claws for a couple of minutes, and the hawk was shrieking loudly. Workers at the display eventually were able to separate the birds.

Schumacher said afterward that the birds had known each other for six years, and she hoped the hawk would be okay.

Schumacher and L.L. Bean employees said the bird display had been on hand at previous store openings.

Follow Philip Tortora on Twitter at @philiptortora.