It's been said eagles occasionally swarm around (7)

I believe the answer is:

besiege

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'swarm around' is the definition.
'besiege' can be an answer for 'swarm' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'around' bit.

'it's been said eagles occasionally' is the wordplay.
'occasionally' indicates alternate letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
'been'+'said'+'eagles'='beensaideagles'
The alternate letters of 'beensaideagles' are 'BESIEGE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for besiege that I've seen before include "Surround - harass" , "Surround (a stronghold)" , "Enclose, preventing ingress or egress" , "Encircle as a military tactic" , "Blockade" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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