Where Eagles Soar
Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 06:21PM 
We should have left as soon as I saw the first black cloud…but we didn’t. We should have left when I turned and looked behind me and I saw that the sun and the bright cotton clouds in the sky had completely disappeared…and when my lens hood hit the water from the rocking of the boat while I was trying to balance my 500mm lens on the edge of the rail, I should have tried to save it, but I couldn’t…I was so engaged in the babies…you know, babies catch your attention and you never want to let go…these babies were a rare find..never in a million years would I have thought I would be blessed with this sight that Nature provided for me. Be still my heart, be still my hands as I try with all the skills I have, to photograph these baby Eagles and their Mom. Be still, damn boat, do your dancing later, but even in the rocking and rolling…I was given this gift that will last me a life time..
This Eagle family is living on a very small Island but the nest is tucked in back of the main boat traffic area...we had passed by it on our way up the lake, not noticing it, on the reverse trip though we were easily able to see it..No on was around...I don't think many know it's there...it is quite a large nest, beautifully made and sits high in a pine tree..we got as close as we could with the boat but nothing appeared to be there...we thought maybe the babies had grown and fled the nest....Until, we saw a very large wing come up..and so the wait began. Eventually 2 babies, not so small anymore appeared and soon after Mom came along with lunch...below I share with you this unique gift and although the photo's are not tack sharp they still tell the story...I was amazed that they came out as well as most did...from a rocking boat to hand holding a 500mm lens, shooting up, I took advantage of every lull in the waves..and yes, I will continue lifting those weights for my abs...
They are hungry...waiting for Mom, shortly we hear them cry...
Mom arrives but we can't see what she has...this was the shakiest photo..I was so excited and she was flying in quite fast...but still, important to the story I think.
Mom in the nest with the babies...I love her white tail...like a train on a wedding gown...
Mom getting ready to leave the nest...she really did not stay very long...but she did stay close by...top photo of her on the tree branch..highest branch on the tree is where she sat the rest of the time we were there.
Waiting his turn...when it took to long..these two got in a fight..feathers were flying..just proving that all siblings are the same.
When I saw this baby stretch his wings I thought sure he was about to take his first flight...but I guess he was only stretching after such a lovely meal...by the size of them though, I don't think it will be long before they head off on their own...
During this entire feeding process...the Mama Eagle never left them alone...she sat perched on her high branch, and frequently checked back to see what her babies were up to...Mothering Moments. On my Flickr page I have an album called Mothering Moments...and I have witness so many beautiful, tender, caring moments not only with real Moms but also the Mothering that takes place in the wild...there is really nothing quite like the love of a mother for her Chicks...we feed and care for them...until they are capable to fly with their own wings...and even after that, we hope to see them again one day...even in the great outdoors...not all of us will come upon an Eagles nest but all of us have the potential to Mother...what ever comes across our paths..You never know what a difference a kind word, a hug or a small gift can make in another's life...and you know what..Mothering just makes you feel good...but I bet you already knew that.
Now why should we have left when we first saw that big black cloud. We were 3/4 of the way up the lake and when the sky opened up we were in a deluge of water so cold and stinging...it was the first time that we ever allowed ourselves to be caught like this...camera gear flying under the seat, wrapped in a towel, Gracie inside my sweatshirt and Jim going full throttle all the way back to the house...I don't think I've ever been so scared in recent years... not fun driving in a metal boat on the water...fortunately it never thundered and there was not any lightening ..and you know, like it so often happens here in Maine...the minute we pulled up to the dock the sun came back out...a challenge from above along with the gift...I'll take it.
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pike
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Secena
"My time in nature has never been wasted and it has always been rewarded." C.C.
Reader Comments (13)
What an adventure for you two (three), and an amazing 500mm lens!! What a good shot of the eaglets sitting on the side of their nest exercising their wings, and a good mom staying close by. Wonderful shots (first and last) of mom. Eagles have many fascinating ways that are similar to humans. Their strength is amazing. I'm happy you arrived home safely in the metal boat. I always enjoy reading your stories my Friend!! Thanks so much for sharing!
The tack sharpness doesn't not matter, the photos supported the story and that is the very best part. They were big babies already. Glad you made it back safe if a little wet.
oh cheryl ... you photos of the eagles are perfect ... even if that darn boat was shaking :~) What a treat to discover them ! thank you for sharing!
Yes Beverly, it sure was an adventure and I like a good adventure every once in awhile...I knew that I might never see anything like this again so the Eagles won out over the storm..To many times in Nature I haven't taken the opportunity when it was presented and after thinking about it I would go back and of course the scene I had come across was gone...so now, I try, if I can, to stay with what is presented to me...
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your Friendship.
Sarah I knew you would understand about the blurry Eagle arrival...your also a story teller and we use what we have...thank you for your visit..and I look forward to your post...took me a heck of a long time to get this one up...sometimes I take to many shots and the culling takes forever...
Hope your having a lovely Sunday.
Thank you Nancyjean for stopping by and leaving such a positive comment...it was a fun day even with the rocking and the rain...
I do so admire your courage and tenacity! They were highly rewarded, not only with rare and wonderful images that you will always have, but with a memory of the great effort you made to get them. You should be proud indeed. And I was very happy to hear it was not a thunder storm in a metal boat! ;-) Great story.
I had a moment of this in Alaska last summer when we spotted an eagle and nest. I was just as fascinated! And I remember in March in Florida, we saw a father perched nearby a nest as well. I love how you tell and show your experience here.
Thank you Naomi for your visit. I think we were both fortunate to see nature at work. Not many get to experience this.
Have a nice week.
WOW ... One of the most powerful posts ever!
Am on my little iPhone and can't wait to view this again on my large screen - you are a true photographer and natural born story teller! What an incredible experience for both you and Jim! Thanks for sharing! XoX
Great story in photos and your boating adventure !
Hi Ruthanne, I've been thinking about you and I'm writing you today...yes, quite the adventure, all around...my life is always lived on the edge...xoxo
Magnificent, Cheryl! The pictures Karyl and I have taken do not come close to what you were able to shoot. I can only go to 300mm and know how hard it is to get a sharp picture so I am amazed at what you were able to shoot with the 500mm. The lens is one thing but your talent for framing the picture to create a pleasant and enjoyable picture is tremendous. Thanks for sharing.