Saturday, January 17, 2009

Bald is beautiful!


January 17-18, 2009 are listed as Bald Eagle Appreciation Days. Have you appreciated a bald eagle today? If I had to pick one bird, I would say the bald eagle is my favorite. Before we moved from California, the only time we saw bald eagles was when we traveled north to places like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Now it's common for us to see them driving into town just to go to the grocery store or drop off the trash. The thrill is still there and I never get tired of seeing them. Photographing them is challenging, but fun.

Bald eagles are majestic birds. They're elegant and graceful in flight. It's no wonder they were chosen as the national bird and emblem for the United States. Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be our national bird because of the eagle's bad reputation. It's amazing to watch a bald eagle swoop from the sky and pull a fish out of a lake or river. They are scavengers and are often are seen stealing food from other animals. One of the biggest cause of death to bald eagles where I live is being hit by cars, as the eagles eat from deer carcasses on the side of the road. Bald eagles are huge birds with wingspans of 6 feet. They're nests are huge too. A nest is typically 5 feet in diameter, but can grow over the years as the returning eagles build onto it. Some nests can get up to 10 feet and weigh 2000 pounds. They can fly at 10,000 feet and reach speeds of 35mph at level flight.

I am fortunate to be able to view these amazing birds year round where I live. It's cool to walk outside my house and hear the shriek of a bald eagle flying overhead. If you'd like to learn more about them, check out the American Bald Eagle Information website. It's packed full of interesting information. The bald eagle represents freedom and I can't think of a better bird to appreciate, especially in the times we're living today.

14 comments:

  1. Although I haven't seen any, bald eagles nest in our area. There's always some bit of news of where to go see a nesting pair when the nesting season comes around.

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  2. We see them here, too (East Central Wisconsin). It's wonderful that they've made such a comeback.

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  3. Beautiful photo, Rena. I agree, bald eagles are majestic and beautiful. We see them when we vacation in Wisconsin as well.

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  4. They are beautiful Rena, that is for sure. The only time I have ever seen them was on my trips to Alaska. It is so incredible to see them surrounded by such incredible scenery. Wow.

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  5. Haven't seen any arond here...but I admire the hawks.

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  6. Beautiful bird - perfect picture!

    We see them sometimes, when we're out on the water.

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  7. Hey Rena! You have just received an award on my site! :-D I think your blog is wonderful!
    www.goldbuttonstudio.blogspot.com
    Cheers!
    Hilary

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  8. Talk about ironic -- Rick & I just went to town to the store and as we crossed the bridge over the Swan River, a beautiful bald eagle flew over us. He was pretty low too and I think he was carrying a fish.

    Hilary -- Thanks! Off to check out your blog now ...

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  9. Oh, I love bald eagles. Unfortunately, I've never had the privilege of seeing one in person. Thanks for the beautiful pic! XOXO

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  10. Rena, your photos are gorgeous! Have you ever thought of publishing them?

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  11. Thanks everyone!

    Nora -- Yeah, I have. A few of them have been published in a small local magazine, but that's about it. It pays, so I'm not complaining! I've made more money from those pictures than I have selling children's books, so that's one thing. What I'd really like to do is a children's book with photos. I have a few of those actually and have submitted a couple of them. Most of the time I get back "Love the photos!" but no one has been interested in the stories just yet. I have been told that it's really expensive to publish photo-illustrated books, but I'm going to keep trying!

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  12. Lovely photo! I think I've seen a bald eagle once when I was out working at a camp in Montana. Amazing animals.

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  13. Beautiful picture Rena! There are bald eagles in northern Wyoming on the border of WY and MT. They can definitely get big!

    Nancy

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  14. Good luck with the children's book with photos!

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