WHERE EAGLES SOAR ...

    well, except Tuesday!  They were there, an adult and two babies but there was no soaring for the crowd today only babies flapping their wings, and the adult sitting about 100 yards from the nest on a perch, probably resting from taking care of the "kids"!
    The adult was impressive, even at a distance you could distinguish his beautiful white head!  This adventure started about two weeks ago when the Burnet Bulletin ran an article in "Lake Country Life" about the eagles wintering in our area.  The eagles have come for years, and this area is known internationally for the abundance of eagles, so many folks venture to the area for observation trips.  Well, you know, you read the paper and say, "we've got to go see them", they're approximately 30 minutes from our house, and then you never do!
    Enter dear friends Eli and Sharon, sending an email during Don's trip to Colorado wanting to know if I'm interested in a "sight trip", the answer a resounding YES!  So off we go on Tuesday morning with cameras, binoculars and sight scope in the trunk.  The nest we were off to see has history to it, the two bald eagles have returned for the last seven years to the same nest to raise their babies.  They arrive in October and I'm hoping they'll still be here in mid-March when Carin and Dylan come for a visit ... Rusty will be on a fishing tournament.
    It was a beautiful, clear blue sky, breezy, cool morning still at 11:00am when we arrived at the location on SH 29, yep, you can see the nest from the highway.  It is such a popular attraction that the Texas Highway Department has created a pullover area and installed warning signs to watch for the many cars that pull in to observe during the winter and spring months.
    Eager to get our first look we jump from the car and were not disappointed, the babies in the nest are 9 weeks old and almost ready to fly!  It was amazing to watch this beautiful bird flap his wings in anticipation of taking to the skies, but not this day!  Dad, or was it Mom, sat on a perch not far, she was either resting or looking for their next meal.  It was really impressive to see such a National treasure!   Take the time and log on to http://www.cottonwoodphotography.com/ scroll down the page to Llano Bald Eagles, 2009-2010 and enjoy the impressive photographs taken of the incredible journey of this Bald Eagle Family.  Enjoy, we did!  Until next time ....