Eagle

Avian Extravaganza – ND #129

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Red-Shouldered Hawk – Photo: L. Weikel

Avian Extravaganza

While I may be indulging my more reclusive tendencies lately, all of you are never far from my thoughts. So when this blustery, cloud-crowded day proved to be an avian extravaganza, I knew I’d succumb to the temptation and share a few photos of my encounters.

The photo above is a Red Shouldered Hawk – one of several nesting in the trees lining the fields around our home. Yes, they’re nesting; but it’s the mid-air swoops and daredevil dives amidst screams of passion (and sometimes what seems like relentless badgering) that makes their mating the most notable activity.

I only distinctly noticed and accurately identified the Red Shouldered Hawks in our area a year ago. In fact, I wrote about the first relentless mating calls, discernible through closed doors and windows, here just last year. I could’ve sworn it was at least two years ago, but nope. Lucky for me, I have my searchable blog posts at my fingertips to remind me of the exact dates when I started writing about these winged messengers.

Eagle Approaching Nest – Photo: L. Weikel

Eagles, Too

After I managed to sneak up on the Red Shouldered just as it took off from the wire it was perching on, surveying the field for a four-legged snack, I headed down River Road. There’s a place along the Delaware River where a massive eagles’ nest sits wedged in a proportionately gigantic sycamore on the New Jersey side. It never ceases to thrill me to see the heads of eaglets and, more obviously, the white heads of the parents, popping up from that compact-car sized conglomeration of sticks.

Just as I pulled off to the side of the road to see if I could catch a glimpse of these majestic birds of prey, one of the parents hopped up and plunged from the nest. Its broad wingspan scooped the air and it soared upriver, eluding my efforts to catch a photo of it in flight. I was excited by the sighting – I’ll forever be a child of the DDT era, when all our raptors were in serious threat of extinction – and decided to wait to see if Mommy or Daddy might return pretty quickly.

My patience was rewarded! I don’t think I had to wait longer than five or ten minutes before I caught sight of its return. And while I’m sharing the best ‘still’ shot I can manage, I wish I could upload the ‘live’ shot that captures this gorgeous bird sweeping upward and landing in the nest. It may be hard to discern the eagle because of the outstanding way in which its coloring blends so well with the sycamores and other trees lining the river.

Turkeys: “On your marks, get set, GO!” – Photo: L. Weikel

Yet Another Gift

Later today, the pups and I were cramming in a quick walk before it started sleeting. Lo and behold, four turkeys were having a little coffee klatch in the middle of the field when all of a sudden they decided to take cover. Never underestimate the speed of a running turkey. They are hilariously fast on their feet.

But when Turkey shows up in your life, it’s often heralding a gift that you need to recognize and be grateful for receiving. The turkeys I saw today reminded me of just how incredibly lucky I am to receive the gift (Turkey) of a message (Hawk) from Spirit (Eagle). And the message was probably to savor the richness of the avian extravaganza surrounding me.

For while I’m only including photos of these three species (and none of them doing justice to their subjects), I was also graced with the presence of geese, black vultures, turkey vultures, blue jays, red-winged blackbirds, mourning doves, sparrows, goldfinches, cardinals, starlings, and fish crows. And while it was a tad too cold today, I actually had my first hummingbird visit my porch on Sunday.

And the only thing better than receiving the gift of having all of these birds show up in my life all in one day, was the message – the reminder – from Spirit that I have friends with whom to share my joy.

(T+129)

Magical Day – ND #63

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Barred Owl – Photo: Lehigh Valley Zoo (lvzoo.org)

Magical Day

Between us, Karl and I experienced quite the magical day today. We’re both feeling a bit ‘blissed out’ by it all, to be honest. It’s not that there was any heavy lifting involved. I think sometimes it’s just a matter of expanding our awareness enough to drink it in that can leave us needing to just power down and be still.

Karl began his day with a gorgeous Red Fox crossing in front of his car and then trotting confidently across a field. I wasn’t with him, but it was almost the first thing out of his mouth when he arrived home. He kept marveling at the creature’s robust health and the stunning color and condition of its coat.

Fox can signify a variety of messages, from family matters to creativity to using camouflage to keep oneself and one’s family safe and out of harm’s way. Karl’s trip happened to be all about family and the beauty of the Fox felt like a wonderful omen. His trip ended up being especially loving and sweet.

On his way home, he spotted an enormous Bald Eagle perched in a tree overhanging a road near our house. While we both know they’ve made a powerful resurgence in the area over the years, we never seem to lose our sense of excitement and awe when visited by Eagle.

Recently, most of my sightings have been along the Tohickon or the Lenape Sipu, and almost always when I’ve been alone. (Although I did see two just last Sunday when taking a walk with my friend along the Delaware!) I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen a crestfallen look sweep across Karl’s face when I recount seeing an Eagle.

So it was especially meaningful to have Bald Eagle visit Karl today. He finally felt like he was part of the club. And best of all, the raptor was scoping out potential quarry on a branch close enough to Karl that its markings were unmistakable. A powerful gift from Spirit.

Eagle – Photo: L. Weikel

My Magic

I’d already experienced an afternoon that reinforced for me how unbelievably lucky I am to do what I do. Maybe it’s more accurate to say ‘to witness what I do.’ Because really – I just create the space and watch things unfold. Anyway, it’s hard to describe, which is why I tend to dance around it most of the time, or not even bring it up at all.

Anyway, I knew I needed to walk after the session I had. I needed to ground myself; I needed to make sure I was back in my body. By the time we set out darkness had fallen. The constellations were stunning in spite of the brilliance of the half moon above.

Just short of a mile into our walk, I turned around to untangle myself from Brutus’s leash when a meteor suddenly streaked through the sky, right to left. It was surprisingly low on the horizon and large – burning a brilliant yellow with an outline of crimson. And it crossed the sky slowly (for a meteor) – it wasn’t some little blip. While I yelped out to Karl when I saw it, my gasp and garbled, “Look! Oh! WOW!” didn’t sink in quickly enough for him to see it.

There was something special going on in the cosmos tonight. Like I said, the constellations seemed especially vibrant and obvious. And by that I mean, the patterns seemed emphasized somehow. The sky was filled with stars, as usual, and often I just drink them all in with my eyes wide as possible. But tonight felt different.

Our Shared Magic

Finally, another mile into our walk the call of a Barred Owl echoed through the woods to our left. I could hardly contain my excitement. I don’t remember ever hearing a Barred Owl up here in our environs. The first time I’d ever heard one (and then heard several) was a few years ago in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

I stopped dead in my tracks. “Did you hear that?” I whispered.

Of course he had. It was the only sound in this silent February night. The “Who cooks for youoooooooo” call of the owl was coming from the same vicinity the coyotes had been howling a few nights ago. There must be a lot of action down there along that part of the creek.

The Barred Owl hooted another several times (one of which you can hear, above) giving me a chance to record it on my phone. It’s almost as if it knew when I had because as soon as I was satisfied, it went silent. I can’t explain why, but this encounter, too, felt…different. Magical, if you will.

(T+63)

Two Amazing Sightings – Day 953

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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)

Dial Tone – Day 899

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Cool Shot of the Moon Last Night (one night post full) – Photo: L. Weikel

Dial Tone

“Inspiration, don’t fail me now!” That’s what I’m sitting here thinking, and silently pleading, this evening. And yet? “The dial tone is strong in this one.” Yeah – that’s a mixed metaphor quote for all of you both old enough to remember dial tones and young enough (at heart, at least) to be a Star Wars fan.

I took a couple of photos today that could serve as fodder for a good post or two. But a couple of them just beg to be supported by at least a modicum of humorous or perhaps semi-clever prose, neither of which I have any hope of mining tonight.

The source of my dial tone tonight is sort of a sad commentary on the state of my post-pandemic physique. Apparently it doesn’t matter how many miles I walk every day, I’m nevertheless woefully out of shape.

Mowing the Lawn

Today was Karl’s and my official ‘First Mow of 2021.” Wow – I just did a search of my posts and discovered that I wrote about this ‘spring rite of passage’ two years ago to the day! And funnily enough, I sounded pretty tuckered out when I was writing two years, too.

I’m almost creeped out by the fact that I practically wrote the same post two years ago, lamenting how tired I was from the effort of mowing in spite of all our walking. So hmm. I guess maybe I can’t – or don’t need to – blame my exhaustion on Pandemic Physique. Perhaps it’s just the consequences of winter.

I’m going to take comfort in that. (I take it where I find it.)

Tohickon Reflections – Photo: L. Weikel

Brief Eagle Moment

On my way home from an obligation this afternoon, I stopped by the Tohickon to pay my respects. I brought the Spirit of the Tohickon a little treat that I shared with her. Crumbling a rice cake in my hand, I blew my intentions of love and gratitude for the wonder, serenity, and joy this body of water brings me so often. I talked to her a bit, wondering at how low her flow is already – and it’s only April.

I am feeling a little anxious over our water, to be honest.

As I was addressing the Spirit of the Tohickon and all the Beings that live within and around her, I was startled by the shadow that passed right over me and the whoosh whoosh of beating wings. Eagle graced me with its presence, stunning me with its beauty and size.

I only managed a single shot of it as it retreated downstream. Normally, I wouldn’t take a photo of a creature appearing when engaging in ceremony, but I wanted to share the magic with all of you.

Eagle Headed Downstream – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-212)

Fluff My Nest – Day 893

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Eagle’s Nest – Photo: L. Weikel

Fluff My Nest

I just did something I haven’t done in quite a while. I deleted my post. Well, it wasn’t technically a post yet, since I didn’t publish it. But it was pretty close. And now it’s gone. I think it’s a bit eerie, to be honest: I’m becoming ruthlessly adept at clearing stuff out if it doesn’t suit me – if it doesn’t fluff my nest.

And that’s how I’ve felt about my home, lately, too. My nest has desperately needed a good fluffing, and while I am getting close, I haven’t yet manifested the space to give it my all.

As I’ve occasionally mentioned, I’ve been on a kick for the past three or four weeks, clearing out, letting go, donating. It’s the strangest thing. As hard as it is for me to go through stuff, I inevitably want to throw out more when I quit for the day.

An Actual Nest

When I was driving down River Road today, I was reminded of how compelled I’ve felt lately to clean the clutter from our home and truly streamline our environment. The massive eagle’s nest that’s nestled high in a gigantic sycamore tree across the Delaware, is a sight to behold.

I couldn’t quite tell if I was seeing a head peeking out over the edge of the nest when I went by this afternoon. But it made me think of my nest.

Karl and I entirely emptied out one of the rooms in our home over the past few days. Top to bottom, that part of our nest is empty. And it feels sooooo great.

I’m ready to see what’s going to happen as we totally revamp our intentions for this room. Will it bring the changes we seek? Will it inspire me to do the same in other rooms of our nest?

Only time will tell, I guess. But today was a very good day, from my nest to Eagle’s nest. The view is feeling fine.

(T-218)

More Challenges – Day 792

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Mystic Art Medicine Oracle Cards by Cher Lyn – “Medicine Power”

More Challenges

I’m willing to bet most of you join me in feeling the weight of this week hanging on our collective shoulders. A sense of foreboding is starting to permeate everything. It doesn’t help when the FBI warns that even more challenges may erupt in all 50 states, as well as the nation’s capital, at any moment.

As I sat down to write this evening, I wanted to provide something for us to ponder or perhaps use as inspiration or, dare I say it, hope. I feel as though the Crone cards I chose last week are still formidable guides for the entire month, so I feel like we should ‘stand pat’ on those.

My gaze went to my Mystic Art Medicine Cards deck by Cher Lyn. Do they have something to impart that might provide an assist as we deal with the after-effects of an attempted coup?

Perhaps.

Medicine Power

I shuffled gently and calmly, opening my heart and asking what might serve us to focus upon tomorrow, or perhaps as the week plays out. I felt quite peaceful as I shuffled, so I was surprised when one card literally jumped out of the deck and fell to the floor, face up. Hmm. Medicine Power. Flipping the deck over to see what was on the bottom, I again felt a sense of awe: Transformation. A card and a concept that, like the Eagles I wrote about yesterday, has been stalking us.

As soon as I looked it up and started reading, I realized the craftiness of Spirit.

Medicine Power – “Crazy Horse”

Eagle awakens vision eye,

Medicine power, ancient master wise.

Spin the cosmic portal

Unveil the secrets to be immortal.

~ Cher Lyn

“In the painting of “Crazy Horse,” one side of his head is donned with a white eagle feather, a sign of pure power bridging the spirit world to the physical plane here on Earth. On the other side is blazing firepower for transformation. Crazy Horse possessed Medicine Power as a prophet, seer, leader, and spiritual healer. He had the ability to commune with spirits dwelling on all levels of Creation. His face painted with the six-pointed star is a key of ancient cultures, Sacred Geometry come together and in itself is a Medicine Power. Conveying balance of the masculine and feminine within the infinite circle.

The dictionary acknowledges medicine as a synonym for magic, relating to magical forms of healing. Medicine Power doesn’t only represent healing the body from illness, but includes the design of finding all things of the Earth and Cosmos a gift. Native Americans use the word medicine to describe inexplicable forces beyond human perception. Medicine Power can be a stone, bone, plane, animal, or even a paintbrush. Everything is alive with spirit and potential medicine. Love is the most powerful Medicine. Your Medicine Power is innately always in you without a talisman, still a talisman helps you remember.

Wake up, take notice, and watch for omens and signs for the gifts of Medicine Power are always available to you. Don’t be fooled by medicine just because it seems small to your ego; the ant is a very powerful medicine.

Drawing the Medicine Power card is not to be taken lightly. Watch for signs. This card signifies an important medicine gift coming your way. In your heart, you have all the Medicine Power you need to heal your world.” (emphasis added)

Mystic Art Medicine Oracle Cards by Cher Lyn – “Transformation”

The Foundation – Underneath: Transformation

Transformation – “Egyptian Magic”

“ (…) All things form and transform within the mysterious cycles of birth, life, and death. Instead of fearing the darkness you can bless it, learn from it, and embrace it. It is both your humanness and your light. The shadow you fear is powerless without the interpretation of your beliefs, thoughts, and desires. The power of Transformation lies in your ability to find the light within the shadow and make the connection, infusing focus on its light quality instead of the darkness.

Everything you think, feel, and do creates your lessons in the world you live in. Inside you great intelligence, wisdom, and love are ever present. It is the beliefs you have been taught that are the hindering factor here. Let the fire in your heart inspire you for Transformation. Perfecting your character and at the same time helping you let go while allowing any pain, sorrow, or difficulty to just be there. Allow the alchemical change to unfold and evolve you in its own time as you journey through your world with the power of intentions.

The Transformation card suggests that you be in touch with both your shadow side and your spiritual side. True Transformation can only happen in connection with your heart. Setting in motion authentic spiritual alchemy you will see a change in you, like base metal into gold. Essentially shifting your whole perspective.” (emphasis added)

A Reminder

I cannot love enough how Eagle managed to show up again for me today. Not literally in the feather, but in this main card for us – Medicine Power – reminding us of the power of paying attention to the messages being sent our way. It’s also reminding us of how essential it is that we discern within ourselves what unique gifts we can bring to shifting and transforming our world – right now.

It’s also uncanny how the Transformation card has been following us around like an obedient dog over the past many weeks and months. It was the foundational concept (watchword) when we were tasked with Perseverance not two weeks before the election.

Some good stuff to contemplate as we do our best to stay the course and witness the transformation of our country and our world.

(T-319)

Stalked By Spirit – Day 791

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Bald Eagle over the Tohickon – Photo: L. Weikel

Stalked By Spirit

Well, let’s face it. I think if any of us are going to be stealthily pursued by anyone or anything, getting stalked by Spirit is unquestionably the best option.

I wrote the other day, last Tuesday as a matter of fact, that I’d been feeling pretty anxious over, well, lots of things, but in particular the Senate run-off elections in Georgia taking that day. (Is it even possible that not six days have gone by since that election?)

As we know, a great victory for democracy was won that day (at least in my opinion); two victories, actually, although one wasn’t officially ‘called’ until the next – exponentially more momentous – day.

Writing in my journal as I sat beside my beloved Tohickon Creek, I felt an oppressive sense weighing me down. A sense of foreboding. Or perhaps it was a feeling that I – we – were on the brink of being forsaken by our better angels. My outlook dramatically shifted when I caught sight of the bald eagle perched at the surface of the creek. I felt heard. Seen. Acknowledged – somehow reassured that all would be well.

Bald Eagle ‘in’ the Tohickon – Photo: L. Weikel

Two Days Later

Two days later, just this past Thursday, Karl and I took a walk in the middle of the day. Naturally, our conversation was consumed by the events we’d helplessly witnessed unfolding the day before, before our very eyes, as insurgents attempted a coup at our nation’s capitol.

Suddenly, a gorgeous bald eagle appeared from behind a massive pine tree we were approaching. The surprisingly mewling, creaky cry of this raptor, which is so different than the distinct shriek of a red-tailed hawk, registered in the back of my mind as our faces swept up to catch sight of it wheeling and turning right above our heads, not more than 15 feet above us.

We were buzzed by a bald eagle. Only two days after I’d had that magical sighting right on the creek.

Yesterday

I returned to the creek again yesterday (Saturday). I needed a little time to listen to the soothing voice of the Tohickon and write in my journal again. Digesting the details of the events that are unspooling before our very eyes is no easy task. Making sense of the reactions of both our lawmakers and our fellow citizens is growing increasingly difficult. Figuring out our place and what we can do to shape the outcome of these times we’re living in is an essential task.

The day was overcast again and there was precious little animal or bird activity. A ‘V’ of seven Canadian geese flew west, upstream. But that was it. Nor did I expect anything. Everything felt dormant to me. In hiding. Withdrawn.

Eventually, I turned my car around and headed home. Just as I approached the bridge where I caught sight of the hawk four days before, I looked up. Wheeling in wide loops above me was the eagle. I swear, it’s the same one. But who knows? It’s certainly all within its territory.

I was able to pull over and snag a shot of it as it swooped in arcs above my head. Slowly, lazily, it wove its way downstream.

Three sightings in the span of six days. Yes, I can explain it away logically. I live within the territory of this bird. Of course I’m going to see it.

But I choose to believe there’s a bit more consciousness behind these encounters. A little bit more mystery, more intention, more connection.

Medicine Card Message

A couple sentences from the entry about Eagle (whose keyword is Spirit) from Medicine Cards* by Jamie Sams and David Carson:

“In learning to fiercely attack your personal fear of the unknown, the wings of your soul will be supported by the ever-present breezes which are the breath of the Great Spirit.

…

If you have been walking in the shadow of former realities, Eagle brings illumination. Eagle teaches you to look higher and to touch Grandfather Sun with your heart, to love the shadow as well as the light. See the beauty in both, and you will take flight like the Eagle.”

Hmm.

Three’s a charm. Perhaps it’s time to pay attention. Maybe stop walking in the shadow of former realities. Perhaps it’s time to really and truly start paying attention to Spirit’s teachings.

*affiliate link

(T-321)

Unmoored – Day 786

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Eagle on the Tohickon – Photo: L. Weikel

Unmoored

I’ll admit it: I was on edge all day. It wasn’t even truly conscious. I just felt a vague unease, an inability to settle down and focus on anything. I tried taking a break and visiting my refuge: the Tohickon Creek. Even there, I felt a bit unmoored. I even noticed and commented to myself that everything was shades of brown – and not a bird or an animal in sight.

Today, of course, is the Senate run off in Georgia. The stakes in that election are monumental. They literally stand to change the course of our country’s trajectory, and possibly even our future as a country as way we know it. That’s a huge responsibility.

And then, even just sitting at the creek, I became aware of the shenanigans afoot in Pennsylvania’s Senate. Occurring prior to tomorrow’s meeting of both chambers of Congress, I can see that this is just setting the stage for more outrageous behavior that will rip at the core of our democracy. As a Pennsylvanian, I am incensed with the behavior of our Republican led Senate.

Bereft

As I sat writing in my journal at the creek late this afternoon, I felt bereft. I want to have hope, but sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by the cynicism and disinformation being spewed into our discourse. It’s overwhelming and threatens to drown us all.

After expressing myself on my journal’s pages, I decided I needed to get back to the house and take affirmative steps to make things better in my little corner of the world. It felt like the only way forward in that moment.

As I turned my car around to return home, I groused that I felt I alone and definitely unheard. It felt strange that not even a woodpecker or duck, not even a sparrow had crossed my path as I sat beside the Tohickon, listening to her voice.

That’s when the white caught my eye. I stopped the car in the middle of the road, grabbed my phone and got out.

Yes.

The Eagle was sitting on a branch poking out of the water streaming by in a cocoa colored flow. I took a few photos, and switched to video. S/he turned, looked straight at me, and took off, extending its gigantic wings to skim upstream about four feet above the surface of the water. About four ducks freaked out and joined it in flight, acting as startled wingmen.

I felt heard.

Just In Case

I jumped back in the car and resumed my trek home. Not 1,000 feet later, just as I started to cross the bridge that spans my Tohickon, a Red-Tailed Hawk caught my attention, staring at me from a towering sycamore.

Yeah. Just in case I felt unheard – Spirit reached out to reassure me.

“Have faith,” Hawk whispered.

I do.

Red-Tailed Hawk – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-325)

Water Over the Dam – Day 455

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Dam at Lake Nockamixon – Photo: L. Weikel

Water Over the Dam

This expression is often used when something has happened and it can’t be taken back.

In the past when I’ve heard this expression, I’ve often imagined the water slurping over the top of the dam, a slosh of water sort of escaping the confines of the dam that’s holding the majority of the water back.

But when I look at the photo of the dam at Lake Nockamixon, which you could argue is ‘holding back’ my favorite local body of water, the Tohickon Creek, you can see that the water is not slurping over the barrier.

No, it’s cascading. It’s rushing headlong, determined on its course.

Reality and Metaphor

It’s fascinating to me how Spirit brings us messages much more frequently than we realize.  Sometimes we find ourselves looking for messages everywhere we turn, searching our surroundings for signs that might give us a clue as to how we should decide to respond to a situation or what kind of choice we should make when facing a dilemma.

And sometimes there it is: right in front of our face.

Yes, the eagle flying high overhead could easily be suggesting that we should rise above a situation and look at it from a higher perspective. Try to see the question or issue from more angles than might be obvious to us from our particular vantage point.

But perhaps the message isn’t the eagle flying high above our head.

Maybe the message is in the storm clouds gathering on the horizon, getting darker and darker each moment as we try to focus on the beauty of the lake or the sound of the rushing water rejoining and feeding the Tohickon.

There’s definitely darkness on the horizon – that is quite obvious.

But there’s sunshine in the distance as well.

I only just realized this evening that the answer was staring me in the face:

It’s literally water over the dam. It’s a rush of water, dashing itself on the rocks below.

The thing is, it’s reality: it’s not just a metaphor. It’s water over the dam. It’s done. It’s over. And nothing will get that water back into the lake.

Some blue sky coming – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-656)

Another Precious Sighting – Day 307

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Eagle Overhead – Photos: L. Weikel

Another Precious Sighting

I’m going to share with you the four photos I managed to take of the amazing sighting we experienced on our walk today.

They’re crappy. But they were the best I could manage with an iPhone. I was so excited to capture the magnificence of this creature as it soared in massive, ever increasing spirals overhead. But as the spirals grew in radius, they actually brought this symbol of both Spirit and Freedom closer and closer to us as we crested the hill about half a mile from our home.

I’m going to post the photos I got in serial order, but again, I’m disappointed that the zoom was not nearly powerful enough to capture our first-hand experience.

And my disappointment is mostly rooted in the fact that my family goes bonkers when we’re graced with a visit from Eagle. (OK, I probably go the most bonkers. But they at least act pretty  excited by the experience too.)

It’s Not Just Me

I actually don’t think it’s all an act, either. At least on Karl’s part. That’s because just now, before he went upstairs to bed, he reminded me of the first eagle we ever saw in the wild. It was in Maine, on Mount Desert Island, 27 years ago – and we only saw one. Very briefly.

And then we saw a few more when we went to the state of Washington in the early 2000s.

We never thought we’d experience the return of the amazing birds to our home environment here in Bucks County. But we have, and it is a tremendous accomplishment for environmentalists.

THANK YOU to those who cared enough to get rid of DDT and other pesticides. (And keep caring, in spite of the current insanity.)

Eagle Overhead – Photos: L. Weikel

Eagle Overhead – Photos: L. Weikel

Eagle Overhead – Photos: L. Weikel

 

(T-804)