VIDEO: Bald eagle lands on Mariners pitcher during national anthem

MINNEAPOLIS -- The eagle has landed -- on James Paxton.

The American icon landed on the Mariners' pitcher who hails from Canada. It happened during the national anthem at the M's - Twins game Thursday in Minneapolis.

Paxton is seen standing in the field with his hand over his heart when a bald eagle lands nearby -- and eventually lands on his arm.

The eagle apparently mistook Paxton for its handler. The real handler came and retrieved the bird.

Interestingly, Paxton -- The Big Maple -- was featured in a Mariners commercial this season. He takes off his hat, and there are three bird eggs in a nest inside his hat.