Eagle Encounter

I finally arrived at the farm. The farm was a large family farm that was owned by lifetime birders. I saw a bald eagle as I enter the property soaring high above the trees almost taunting me with his presence. As I continued on my birding quest I saw high in a sycamore tree, the beginnings of an eagle's nest. When I was making my way back to the entrance I entered a clearing where the sun shone through brightly. Suddenly the sunlight was interrupted and a large shadow appeared on the ground in front of me. It was a creepy moment that made the hair on my back raise. I felt goose bumps on my skin. Even before I turned to see, I felt the movement of air, and heard the flutter of giant wings beating the air. As I directed my eyes to the sky I encountered a magnificent bald eagle, eye to eye. It appeared so pure and so clear against the winter blue sky. It was hovering above with only feet separating us. It was like our eyes were locked on one another. Its golden eyes, set into the roughed white of its head, searched with curiosity. Its yellow hooked beak and it powerful sharp talons were reminders of its dominance and authority. As suddenly as it appeared, it turned sharply and lifted on the breezes, its white fan of a tail glistening in the morning sun. Its powerful wings arched into a slight “V.” Then it was only a memory; a memory etched into my mind. This was not a photo moment, just a personal encounter.