Staying in the Moment

I *just* saw a bald eagle flying by!  There I was at the computer reading what's new on Wildlife Gardeners, when I glanced out the window to my left, one room away; that is when I saw it.  Being such a large bird it was no mistaking it even across about two acres.  The tell-tale white on its head and tail let me immediately recognize what I was seeing.  I jumped from the chair and ran to the kitchen window to get a better view--I'm sure the cats started at my sudden movement.

At the window, I got a better view, and instead of running back for the camera, I just enjoyed the sight.  That is the longest and closest I've ever seen one.  Had I got the camera, I'd likely have missed it all.  Sorry no pics to share, but I feel I'm a better man for having seen it. :)

The Jury is Still Out on This One

Today, I spotted what I thought was a turkey vulture--I'm not good with bird IDs I guess (I learned that years ago when I mistook a turkey vulture for a hawk)--after uploading the pictures and cropping them for close-ups, I realized that I'd need some help with identification, so I posted these in Wildlife Gardeners...so far, with two responses, we are thinking it is either a golden eagle or an immature bald eagle.

I have seen bald eagles around here twice before...that still amazes me as I think of them as being out in the wilderness. Just the other day I saw something large (like an eagle) fly across the field below us. Perhaps I'll see them more often in the coming years.

OMG!

Earlier today, I was walking the paths of the second acre, taking pictures. Above me I caught sight of a bird circling. I've had turkey vultures circling a several times in the past few weeks...and they remind me of an embarrassing moment: Years ago, Jeff and I were at a campground with friends. I spotted a bird circling above and preceded to tell Jeff that it was a hawk. Our friends looked at each other (and probably laughed) and preceded to tell me that it was a turkey vulture.

So, needless to say, today I snapped off a few shots of the circling bird, transferred the pictures to the computer, and preceded to work out in the yard. I came in to eat, sat down at the computer, and began looking through the pictures I took today. The first two were way out of focus, but a little thrill went through me when I spotted a lightness to the tail. Sure enough the next photo affirmed my hope: I had taken a picture, not of a turkey vulture, but of a bald eagle! I am so thrilled!

A year or two ago, I spotted one flying away--never saw its head but did see the white tail feathers. I'd suspected it was a bald eagle (my first), but had nothing to confirm it. Now, after today, I feel certain that it was...and now I have a photo or two of one to share.

Unfortunately, it is not in clear focus, but it is still worth sharing...and as it sunk in a couple of seconds later: interesting that I spotted it on Memorial Day. :)