Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Eagle Has Landed

The summons to come outside and bring my camera came in a quiet but commanding voice.  Whatever The Kid had spotted, I knew it must be good.  In silence we made our way through the maze of trees that dot the lake side of our property and then I saw it.  Perched on a sturdy branch in a nearby tree he sat, in all of his majestic splendor, an adult American Bald Eagle.

wEagle_3

You can't imagine the thrill it gave me to see this magnificent bird up close and personal in the wild.

I had seen him once previously.  Had startled him away from feeding on a turtle along the shore line.  The Kid had spied him several times flying low over the neighborhood, but this time he stopped and sat a spell.

wEagle_5

As I inched my way closer I was surprised that he stayed put for such a long time. It was as if he were posing for me.

wEagle_2

 Eventually he grew tired of my intrusion and prepared for take off.

wEagle_1

I swear I got goose bumps as those enormous wings unfolded.  He streaked past me a flash, circled the cove once and in a matter of seconds was gone.

wEagle_4

He left in his wake a moment I will treasure for a life time.

Do you think if I promise not to stalk him he might return?

2 comments:

Audrey said...

So Awesome!

Judy H. said...

I especially like the second one, with his wings both up and just leaving the branch. Of all the eagle pictures I have seen, this one shows the true disparity in the size of the wings in comparison to his body. You have caputred some spectacular photos here.