2.13.2009

The Bald Eagles

When I was about 7 or 8 I remember looking up from playing in the yard at our house in Toronto, Kansas and seeing the BIGGEST bird I had ever seen, flying overhead, carrying a huge snake that was still alive and wriggling for it's life.  I soon recognized that bird as a Bald Eagle and stared at it for as long as I could, following it down the drive until it disappeared behind the trees.  My dad had never seen one and was impressed that I had.

Fast forward 20 years, and you will find me living in Iowa, where Bald Eagles are not so rare.  I've even heard that in some northern parts of Iowa, by the river, people have to cover their yards with a tent-like net so that they can let their cats and dogs out without them being snatched up!  Last winter I passed a tree with 6 bald eagles, but didn't have my camera! *smacks forehead*  I've been kicking myself ever since then for not going back later that day to see if they were still there.  So imagine my surprise, when yesterday, while out shooting for the paper, I spotted 2 Bald Eagles who came to rest in a tree near my shoot!  Here's a few favs from the day - I only wish I'd had a longer lens!!  (In case anyone is wondering, the river you see is the Mighty Mississippi, at Keokuk, Iowa.)







Oh yeah - this was to document the fact that I was dressed for office work, and not for traversing rough terrain in search of a great riverside angle.  Totally cute boots got totally muddy. :-(  I so almost fell - a lot. 



2 comments:

Sarah said...

oh that is so awesome Shaina! I love it when we spot those beauties. you are lucky

Chad Pearce said...

Here is some comment love for you on V-day. I really like the one at the end with the Sun in the background. Love you.