I’m enjoying the pace of not-too-much-to-do or at least of time-enough-to-do-it-in during this week off of school. After leisurely running errands this afternoon, I drove the back way home, enjoying the scenery. As I passed over the bridge in town, I noticed the tell-tale silhouette of an eagle in a tree by the river. Behind it the sky was moody and dramatic. What a great image! I glanced at the seat beside me. Trash tags, library books, freshly ground coffee, the mail. No camera.
I drove the mile home, debating. Should I grab my camera and return? Would the eagle still be there if I did? Parking in the driveway, I hurried inside and grabbed my camera bag, stopping briefly to throw the coffee and mail on the counter. Why not try!? I’d never know if it was still there if I stayed at home.
In a few minutes I arrived back at the river and pulled into the nearby parking lot. Yes! The eagle was still there.
But wait! Wasn’t that another one?
And….yes! Further back, wasn’t that another one as well?
Whoa! There were three juvenile bald eagles in close proximity. What a treat! And to think I almost didn’t come back!
All too soon, the eagles flew off, swooping down low over the waters and then heading down river. Still, I lingered.
How could I have forgotten how much I enjoy the drama of the winter landscape? The grey/white/blue palette of the sky. The intermittent thaw and freeze of the river. The occasional eagle…or two…or three! The dipping and diving mergansers. The ebb and flow of winter life on the river. I soaked it all in, warm in spite of the cold temperatures.
It was the perfect way to round out the day, and a timely reminder that spending time outside should be a high priority over the next few days. I’m looking forward to every minute of it.
Nix the comfort zone 
YES! I’m so glad you went back! What a wondrous sight.
I absolutely love the bare trees against the winter sky.
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I’m also glad I went back. Winter tree silhouettes really resonate with me, too.
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Golden lines: “How could I have forgotten how much I enjoy the drama of the winter landscape? The grey/white/blue palette of the sky. The intermittent thaw and freeze of the river.”
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Thanks! That was also the heart of the moment for me.
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I knew you would go back and what a treat to see the eagles. I love the sky picture, too.
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I always love seeing eagles and winter skies can be so dramatic!
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I’ve grown to appreciate winter and sometimes love it, but this year it’s so cold. Still, I understand the allure of eagles and winter’s barren beauty. That last picture is gorgeous.
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I treasure winter. But sometimes I forget to. This was a good reminder of all the beauty waiting for me if I just bundle up and get out.
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A companion thought to saying Yes to life is your “Why not try!? I’d never know if it was still there if I stayed at home.” Get as much outdoor fresh air and vitamin D as possible.
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I try to get myself out there as much as possible!
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Wow. How great that you did not let the opportunity to go buy and returned with a camera. The joy of this winter scene and drama is evident in your words.
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I’m so glad I returned. I’m fortunate that the river is so close to home!
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How majestic they are! Of everything I saw in Alaska over the summer thinking that I’d really love the dogsledding or the whales the most, it was the eagles that wowed me more than anything else. There are no words for their wingspan and the way they fly. I’m so glad you got pictures and shared this post!
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Oh, your Alaskan trip must have been wonderful! The day after this picture I went back to the river and saw at least 5 eagles competing for tidbits of something dead on the ice. It was amazing!!!!
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