March SOLC–Day 7
A huge thank you to Anna, Beth, Betsy, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for all that they do to create a supportive community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
twowritingteachers.org
I often write about how much I enjoy the natural beauty of Maine and my ride to work. My commute is about 25 minutes through the rolling countryside and a couple of small towns of the blink-and-miss-them variety. I’m especially alert these days for anything that might serve as a seed for a slice. I keep my eyes peeled.
This past Friday as I drove to work, my attentiveness paid off! This bald eagle was perched in a tree directly by the side of the road. It’s not at all unusual to see eagles around here, but they are usually flying high overhead. This one was content to linger at his perch as I snapped picture after picture, marveling at his impressive size, his piercing eyes, his hooked beak. After about 10 minutes, I finally pulled away, feeling thankful again for the beauty that surrounds me.What a great start to the day!
FYI: I was inspired to do a bit of research (because, hey! I’m a teacher!). Here are some interesting facts I discovered:
- In 1930 a Popular Science article stated that unless drastic measures were taken, it was likely that bald eagles might only be seen in the future on coins.
- Pesticides, habitat destruction and hunting accounted for most of the population decline.
- By the 1970s there were under 30 nesting pairs of bald eagles in Maine. In 2017 there are over 500 nesting pairs!
- This resurgence in eagle population has a downside as it negatively impacts efforts to preserve other bird species such as loons and cormorants.
- Eagle nests are 4-6 feet wide and may weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
- Mature bald eagles have a wingspan of 5 1/2- 8 feet.
- They can live 15-25 years in the wild.
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The bald eagle is the only eagle unique to North America.
Nix the comfort zone 
I saw a bald eagle in a field near my home just a couple of weeks ago – I’m in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, near Raleigh. I couldn’t believe my eyes, honestly. There was no mistaking this bird – he took flight as we passed, majestically, and his white head was the giveaway. He was breathtaking. What great observation skills you have – essential for a writer!
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Even though I see bald eagles fairly often, I never fail to appreciate it when I do. They are majestic!
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How cool. The pictures are beautiful. What a nice way to start your day.
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The fact that bald eagles are still with us is a tribute to all those who lobbied for their protection. Your photos are remarkable. My husband and I like to go bird watching. We recently had the privilege of seeing migrating snow geese resting on a pond in a nearby sanctuary. They were so beautiful. Nature is restorative.
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This post (and the eagle sighting) had me thinking a lot about conservation and the fate of the EPA. I actually already started another blog post about that in the midst of writing this one. Your snow geese sighting sounds beautiful!
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Wow. How cool that must have been. He’s beautiful and I love how you were able to capture that with your photos and also your words. Nature is so awesome when we allow ourselves the time to stop and look for it, sounds like you make sure to do this often. I also love how afterwards, you were still thinking about him and it inspired you to learn more about the bald eagle and do some research.
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It sometimes still surprises me how often writing leads me to learning. 🙂
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He’s beautiful! There is a running trail I frequent and an eagle’s nest inhabits the one section. It’s always a special treat when I get a sneak peek. Something that’s popular around here are eagle cameras. They are set up so you can view the the eggs hatching and the family taking care of the babies. It’s quite exciting. I always love a glimpse into Maine’s nature life.
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Running with Eagles–Go, Amy! I love live animal cams and right now am obsessed with one that shows puppies who are going to be trained as therapy dogs for combat veterans. You’d love it. They are so cute!
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I would love it! Therapy training is on my bucket list. If you get a chance, please send me the link. 🙂
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Amy–I don’t know if they’ll show training but there’s plenty of puppy cuteness right now! I warn you though–it’s very addictive!
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Thank you! Geez, just what I need, another addiction! 😉
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WOW! I’ve never seen a wild bald eagle. Great photo. Thanks for the facts. Most impressive to me is the size of the nests!
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Cindy, we’ve seen bald eagles flying overhead a couple of times at recess recently. Keep your eyes open!
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WOW! What an inspiring thing to see on your way to work. I bet your heart was full all day.
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It was a wonderful way to start the day!
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That is amazing! What natural inspiration for writing!
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Living in Maine means I’m surrounded by natural inspiration!
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I really like how you are always on the look out for something to slice about. I feel like the more I write the more I am aware of my surroundings. I love eagles they are so majestic. How lucky he stood still for you to admire him. I live in Michigan and the eagle population are on the incline as well.
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What a handsome bird! We do have eagles in my part of CT, but we don’t see them too often. One morning a few years ago, one flew down from a hillside over the road as I drove by. I was so surprised, I almost drove off the road. Thanks for sharing, Molly!
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It’s so much fun to hear everyone’s eagle sightings!
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What a great capture. Thanks for sharing.
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Isn’t it nice when you’re in the right place at the right time?
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The very first bald eagle I ever saw was in Maine! (I used to live in NH.) Now I live in South Dakota and see them frequently (at least once a week). They are such magnificent birds, and even though I see them often, I still get a little thrill every time I see one perched in a tree or flying overhead!
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