At the back edge of my forest is a huge old dead tree about 40' tall and it overlooks the valley behind us... It's a favorite with the ravens and hawks and at dusk I've seen the occasional great-horned owl there. On our morning walk through the forest a couple days ago there was a different hunter...much to my delight and surprise..... and I had my camera in my pocket...
We are about 75 miles from the bald eagle's wintering ground... They come for the Kokonee spawn on Lake Coeur 'd Alene in Idaho. We often drive over during the winter and watch them catch fish... And I occasionally see one flying over the farm, but this is the first time I've actually seen one in my forest... They have their favorite trees around the spawning area. If you just walk along looking at the ground you can find them... You just look for a big pile of fish scraps at the base of tree.
They are a magnificent bird.
I tried to get a bit closer to the tree but it flew off...
This tree has been standing dead at least 30 years. Since it is the tallest vantage point around, it has an endless variety of birds using it daily.. But mostly it's the ravens squabbling over a perch on it...squawking and talking all the while.
Like my oldest apple tree, I will mourn for it when it finally falls.
And why was I carrying my camera you ask....?
Well the cougar is back in my neighborhood again.. A neighbor a couple miles east of us took this shot from his deck with the zoom on his camera... So I've been carrying my camera and watching intently hoping to sight her resting in or under a tree after a night's hunt.
Isn't she beautiful...? They figure she weighs about 125-130 lbs. Of course the chances of seeing her during the daylight hours are sooooooo slim...but then again so were the chances of seeing an eagle in my tree.
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6 comments:
Seeing an eagle in flight has long been a wish of mine. They are such beautiful birds. Lucky you to see one and photograph one too!
Deb
Awesome pictures! My son lives in CDA, I have been able to see these beautiful birds on the lake fishing. Amazing sight! Thanks for sharing.Love the CAT! (Don't know that I'd wish to meet her on the path...)
Suzie in Idaho
Some of life’s greatest pleasures occur when you least expect them. How lucky you are to be surrounded by such beauty! Hugs, Cat
How facinating to see! My Girlfriend in West Richland of the tri-cites has one in her tree by the river every year, eagle that is. I'd pass on the lions though (scary) Glad you got to enjoy the show. Pearl
Wow, the picture of the eagle through the trees with all the frost on them is spectacular. When we lived on Vancouver Island we used to see lots of eagles. We used to go to Nanoose bay by the river when the salmon we spawning and watch the eagles. We only see them occasionally here in Alberta though.
Lucky for you to catch this amazing sight.
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