THE WAY IT WAS

THE WATCHERS

MOST MAGNIFICENT BALD EAGLE I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO ENCOUNTER AND PHOTOGRAPH

She was in a dark, damp area located within the heavy branches of some heavy hardwoods. I looked at her magnificence and almost forgot to put the camera to my eye. Everything about her spoke of might - her powerfully designed beak, the sharp, large bright eyes that missed nothing. Her promise of power in flight by larger than normal primaries and thick legs with heavy toes that sheathed dagger like talons with needle sharp points. When she picked up her foot to turn toward me, the talons tore chunks of bark and wood from the limb. Such power! Her plumage was perfection and she surely ruled not only the sky's but also this forest of huge trees that hung near the water's edge.
And when she launched into the air I could hear the wind being pushed by her massive wings, the feathers catching the air and moving it back along her sleek sides. She was gorgeous. I did my best by her with the camera and I never encountered her magnificence ever again. But I got to look into her eyes as she flew directly toward me and she looked back into mine and I was humbled by her directness. Yes, our eyes met and she was gone.

 And, she was gone from me forever

JESSOP

AND THE OTHER RAPTOR