Sacred Gift from the Bald Eagle - My Trip to Photograph Nesting Bald Eagles

I recently took a trip to photograph Bald Eagles nesting at a location here in Canada. Watching as both the male and female took turns hunting reminded me of what true partnership, cooperation and respect is truly all about. I watched over many hours, in true wonder as the male gently caressed the female and fed her. I watched in awe as they celebrated the new birth they created. They could be seen looking at each other, then cocking their heads in wonder as they looked down at their babies. There was never a squabble between the pair; they worked in sync and harmony both with each other and their natural surroundings. They ate what they killed; they did not waste nor did they kill for the sake of killing. They did not hoard for the sake of possessing more. What a powerful lesson they can teach us…. if we only open our hearts and minds.

How many of us can say that our own relationships are cooperative, nurturing, harmonious and respectful? As a professional who worked many years with victims of violence, I know that many can learn from these majestic and loyal birds. Bald Eagles work together with respect and harmony, and they mate for life. Should one die, the widowed eagle grieves the death of their mate. Eventually the survivor does mate once again.

Many people think it strange that I use such terms when referring to a bird or other wildlife. I have been truly privileged to be witness as wild animals celebrate the joy of birth and while they grieve the loss of a loved one. I have moved dead bodies off the road to prevent the partner from also being killed, while the mourner stands vigil over their beloved mate. I have never been attacked, but I have seen true gratitude in their eyes when I put down sacred tobacco to help their spirit move on to a place of peace. I honour and respect their life. I have witnessed on many occasions an animal trying to move the body of their loved one off the road after being hit by a car. Or a struggling swan ensnared in fishing line or hooks left behind without a thought.

During my recent Bald Eagle Photography Trip I witnessed the pride, joy and cooperation of this pair of majestic birds and it imprinted and touched my heart forever. Sadly I did not have the pleasure of seeing the same respect from humans. In less than1 ½ days I picked up 6 full bags of fresh garbage on this 30 feet span of road. Each time I went for lunch or a break I came back to more. While I went to photograph these majestic raptors, I spent time doing a task that should not have been required at all. This garbage was left specifically by people who came to witness this true wonder of nature. On my last night there, I was having trouble bending down. I told myself that the piece of garbage by my feet would be my last for the evening. On this windy evening, I bent down to pick up the debris…a cup. When I bent over there was an eagle feather resting gently against it. What a wonderful feeling that touched my heart to know my small effort was acknowledged. What a beautiful way to say thank you.  

The gifts that many humans brought to this baby shower were very different. The gift list included ceiling tile, wire, bottles, cigarette butts/packages and wrappers, candy bags and wrappers, cups and so much more.  I left wondering……will these same humans grieve alongside these eagles …. when one of them picks up and chokes to death one of these gifts??? 

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