A Golden Eagle

We went for a walk today, not too far away, over grounds that have a strong Native American heritage.
If that wasn't enough to evoke feelings of connectedness with nature, one look overhead certainly did!
For there above us was an eagle!  I didn't know at the time what kind it was, but I knew immediately
it was one I'd never seen before.  It stayed a good, long time flying low before spiraling higher and higher
until it could no longer be seen, and we stood in awe watching it.  I couldn't wait to get home to identify
it!  I learned it was a Golden Eagle.  Not completely uncommon to this area, they are rarely seen.

While researching Bald Eagles several years ago, I leanred that juveline Bald Eagles closely resemble
Golden Eagles and are often interchangably mistaken for each other, so I had to make sure my research
was thorough to be correct in identifying this bird with certainty. 

It's with great joy that I share several images of this Golden Eagle.

Scenic Expressions

Beauty, peace and solitude at the places I spend my time, are just some of the elements that heal me.  Centers me.  Grounds me.  Here are a few spots I sought out during this past week to do just that.

 

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(Surprised By) White-Tailed Deer

While out in the field today, I sensed eyes on me.  Across the field, I noticed these four deer "hidden" in the tall grass. 

I zoomed in for a better look at them, and after snapping a few pictures, I was startled when they began to run--and suddenly, about five or six more deer, which were REALLY hidden, popped out from the brush right in front of me and bounded away!!  Can you see them in the top photo?  No matter how hard I try, I cannot!  But....  they are there!!

They don't call them "White-Tailed Deer" for nothing!  As the deer leaped and bounded for thicker cover, their tails stood straight up like white flags, signaling an alert to the rest of the herd.  The sudden commotion was a littl unnerving, to say the least!

Winter Birdwatching

I crossed the state line, where a light snow was falling all day.

These birds seemed to be enjoying it as much as me!

It really was a beautiful day.

A Fowl Mood

An array of waterfowl caught my attention as I spent time at a nearby lake for a little peace after a busy day.

I'll have to consult my reference books to learn the names of most of them, but strictly for viewing pleasure, I offer the following:

                                                                      

Hungry Hawk