Not the One From Today – Photo: L. Weikel

Two Amazing Sightings

I experienced two amazing sightings today – and I’m chagrined to admit I have not a single photo to prove either one of them took place. It makes me want to cry.

The first one occurred while I was sitting outside on my porch having a conversation with a client. I was lost in thought, focused on my client’s side of the conversation. I was barely aware of what was in front of my face.

Suddenly, bursting into my awareness like a shot from across the road, a burnt orange splash of fur tears toward me from across the road, traverses my driveway, and streaks into my neighbors’ back yard. I’m sure the coincidence of their chicken coop in the back yard had nothing to do with the direction this sniper was headed.

Totally Different

Today’s Foxy encounter was substantially different than the one I had with the adorable little kit pictured above. (I may not have been quick enough to get a photo of the teenager I saw today, but it is a good excuse to post kit’s photo again.) That time, the cutie seemed oblivious to me as it meandered unselfconsciously near the culvert at the side of the road.

It was as if the fox that crossed my path today was fired out of a cannon. It streaked across my field of vision, tail straight out behind it. For once, I had a momentary (extremely momentary) appreciation for the excitement of fox hunting. (Seriously – I loathe this so-called sport.) But watching this sleak, gorgeous animal hurdle seamlessly over obstacles and run with such adroit finesse and speed, I could see why trying to catch one is so difficult. It doesn’t excuse it; but it sort of helps me understand why it might be considered a challenge to outsmart one.

Also Not the One From Today – Photo: L. Weikel

Number Two

The second sighting I made today was of an Eagle. The Bald Eagle I saw flying up the Tohickon Creek was just a little bit above eye level with me. The nonchalance of its power and dominion over the wildlife on the Tohickon was stunning. This raptor has nothing to prove to anyone.

The slow, audible flap of its wings was the antithesis of desperation – or even of hunger. I got the distinct sense that the Blue Jays losing their minds as it flew past their nests were screeching from painful past experience. Lucky for them, neither petite Blue Jay tartare nor Blue Jay omelettes were on the menu.

Come Back

At least in our area, it’s obvious the Bald Eagle population is making a comeback, which is outstanding. But I have to admit – no matter how pedestrian an Eagle sighting may become due to the success of conservation efforts, it will always be an utterly thrilling experience for me.

An Eagle sighting, to me, represents the potential for contact with the Divine. Eagle feathers are treasured spiritual tools for native North Americans. They are a direct connection with Great Spirit.

And honestly? I remember when they were endangered. I was 31 years old and all the way up in Maine before I even caught a glimpse of an Eagle for the first time – and even then, I barely saw some tail feathers. Nevertheless, the experience will remain a treasure in my heart forever. A girl never forgets her first Eagle.

Who knew I’d be so lucky when I was twice that age to have them virtually in my own back yard. It feels absolutely miraculous.

(T-158)