Fly Like An Eagle
During our recent local boating excursions, besides my last post on the Osprey, another bird that we saw frequently was the American Bald Eagle. This bird’s beauty is breathtaking as it flies high in the sky or rests on a perch. I could never tire of watching one.
An Eagle’s wingspan is 6-7 feet wide. They can live up to 30 years in the wild, but average 15 years. We are very lucky that the Chesapeake Bay area hosts Eagles year round.
Here’s some of my photos taken while trying to balance myself in a boat. 🙂
One trip we headed way up the Wye River leading off the circle around Wye Island, and I spotted an Eagle’s nest, then realized there were three Eaglets perched above it. Trying to photograph them from the water in the boat made it very difficult to get all three with their heads up and in full view. In the first one photo, the top left Eaglet was preening himself. No, he’s not headless!
Three Eaglets at their nest
When he finally sat up, I lost the third one behind a branch, darn it!
Three Eaglets at their nest
I was pretty darn excited when I spotted this nest! We did not see either parent, but I’m sure one was around, keeping an eye on the teenagers. I’ve now spotted two Eagle nests on the Wye River from our boat on my own. Unbelievably, an Eagle’s nest is typically 5-6 feet in diameter and 3 feet tall. Eagles will reuse their nest and it has been recorded that one in St. Petersburg, Florida, reached over 9 feet in diameter and 20 feet tall, weighing over 2 tons! That had to be one HUGE nest!
Before I end, here’s an Eagle poem that I came across a few years ago that I think you will enjoy.
The Bald Eagle
by Don R. Wilkins
My nest, built on craggy cliff,
or in a tree top high.
I soar above the reaching hills,
on lifting winds I fly.
I raise my young with tender care,
until they fly away.
Their destiny to fly alone,
it is but Nature’s way.
My prey I seek with piercing eye,
and grasp with talon strong.
Then lift into the endless sky,
to sing my victory song.
By strength of wing I’ll soar on high,
my future yet to be.
To glide beyond restricting Earth,
Eternity to see.
My place in Nature is secure,
I’m viewed now with respect.
A Symbol for the strong and free,
I fly with no regret.
With courage yet unquestioned,
there’s challenge in my cry.
I lift to heights, unhindered,
An EAGLE….flying high!
And who doesn’t know this song!
I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I’m free
Fly through the revolution.
By Steve Miller Band
Take time in your life and fly like an Eagle!
🙂
Very nice post Donna! Very inspiring! 🙂
Thank you, HJ, they are indeed! 🙂
I’ve tried photography from canoes and kayaks, but never a boat, that can’t be easy! I’ve also photographed eaglets, and know how uncooperative they are as subjects. Very good work!
Thank you, Jerry, it’s getting the hubby to slow down enough so we don’t create too much of our own wake to rock the boat too much! lol
what a beautiful post, fascinated me photographs and written piece… Thank you dear Donna, have a nice weekend, love, nia
Thank you so much Nia!
Great post, Donna. Thank you for sharing it. -Max-
Thank you Max!
Eagle photos, Steve Miller Band….what more do we need? Thanks for this post Donna. And isn’t that just like teenagers to mess around in a photo shoot! This was most enjoyable. hugs
For real, Beth! Thanks for your comments, you made me giggle. hugs
These are super Donna. Good thing you had a nice stable platform like a boat. Well done!!!
I’d say shooting from a boat is about the best hand-held practice you can get! 😉 Thanks David!
Beautiful indeed Donna! Hard to imagine why an Eagle would feel the need t build a nest 10 feet tall much less 20. Amazing when you think about it.
Thanks Marcus! I’d say an eagle is a pretty good architect for sure!
I love this Donna! Beautiful poem and very apt for the photos, they complement each other brilliantly. Something to add to my bucket list is to see a bald eagle in flight! 🙂 x
Thank you, Becky! In all your future travels, you’ll see an eagle I’m sure. Keep your eye to the sky! 🙂
I loved seeing your eagle photos; I’m always thrilled to see these birds.
Here’s a less contemporary work that I’ve always liked on the Eagle (by Tennyson):
Thanks for sharing the Tennyson “Eagle” poem, Deb. Very nice. I’m always thrilled to see eagles too. Their power and strength is astounding and I can’t help but feel a sense of patriotism when I see them.
Life’s got me burning the candle at both ends so my free time has been nil. I always appreciate each comment you leave and apologize for replying to all so late. And to my fellow bloggers, I miss your posts and will catch up soon! 🙂