I walked in the great room, passing my wife, and I took in the view.

“Hey, check out the big…”

Before I could say “hawk” I saw it.

The white head.

“Eagle! Eagle!”

Reflexively, I went for my best camera.

A couple of unusual things: 1) It was close (best to hide with kids around) and 2) it had the zoom lens attached so I could take this shot earlier in the day…

And yet the memory card was sticking out of my iMac downstairs, so I sprinted to get it, literally falling flat on my face as I got back upstairs 10 seconds later.

Heart thumping, I watched the eagle flap away, out of range.

No photo op.

Still, it was a thrill to see it. If such things don’t move your blood, either seeing eagles is commonplace for you or we likely don’t share the same sense of adventure.

I’ve been homebound for the last couple days, fighting off the creeping crud (along with the rest of my posse) that my son delivered from his school. I decided to get out. To see if I couldn’t find this eagle and get a photo of him. I saw where he flew and I mapped out where I would go if I were him in in my mind.

I jumped in the cold truck, cranked on some Ozzy’s Boneyard on Sirius, and off I went, scouring the countryside. I’d do a 4 mile loop, the same one I do with my son on the mountain bike, and then retreat to the warm of the wood stove.

I live in a beautiful place. For me, it it Shangri-La (just without great internet). I explore the countryside often and soak in the vistas.

No eagle yet. But this girl seemed happy to see me.

I drove another half mile down the road before I had to stop again.

This little lady wasn’t budging.

 

 

When I looked to my left, I saw this…

 

So I shot some photos. And drank it in.

The winter pasture.

Still, I am going to find you eagle…

I turned a corner, heading back home when I saw the shape in the tree.

There he be, I thought! I found you.

I zoomed in from the road to at least get something before I spooked him.

 

 

From the distance, this was a big bird, sure, but I couldn’t make out that white head. Eagle?

I drove up a neighbor’s driveway to get a better shot, and the bird took flight. Once I saw the pattern and color of the wings, I knew I had found a hawk. A lovely hawk.

Time to drive that last half-mile home.

Fifteen seconds later to my left I saw the wings take flight. The color and beating pattern unfamiliar to me.

Ah, I really found you.

He was too far, in too many treetops for me to get a shot.

But I found him. I hope to see him again. I will be looking.

And I created nice little 15 minute adventure.

I forgot how shitty I felt.

I was inspired to share the highlight of my day with you.

 

– P.S. this will be my new site. needs lots more work. but i wanted to play with it now and post something.