Bald Eagle Days

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

“Uncommon. Usually seen near lakes, rivers, and coasts where prey is abundant and prominent trees afford nest sites and unobstructed view of surroundings. Usually solitary, but may gather in groups at prime locations such as salmon runs or waterfowl staging areas.” –David Allen Sibley

Walking down to the river, on the last day of 2012, we slid the boats into the edge of the Nooksack and glanced to the sky. Eagles already soaring high and watching us from trees above, they were all but uncommon on our sunny New Years Eve float. The snow slowed and the clouds were breaking as sunshine poured through the openings.  Before we pushed off it had become a blue-sky day, the kind that allows for perfect Bald Eagle sightings. Winter boating at it's best.

Bend after bend in the river we saw more and more majestic creatures soaring past us while we floated.  Solitary they were not, not today. Never have I seen more Bald Eagles then when floating down the river in January (well technically Dec. 31^st)! I can attest, watching those broad winged birds never loses it’s excitement.

Soaring over the river a team of Baldies tease a seagull whose catch is a mighty fine looking trout. The seagull holds his own for a while but alas, the Bald Eagle, who would rather not do his own fishing, teases the fish from the gull. Unfortunately, both come up empty handed and the Eagles will have to wait patiently for the next fisher to come along and harass.

Mergansers float by, Mallards and Teals flap fiercely through the crisp air.  All the worries of 2012, roll down river with our big green boat, and you can feel the contentment and genuine happiness from boat to boat. Cheers 2012, here’s to another great year on the water! 

-Kristi