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There was a fierce southwest wind blowing accompanying the snowfall we had. Our yard was filled with geese, grounded because they would be flying into a head wind on their migration route. None of the geese were standing, but rather sitting and rooting through the snow to find the vestiges of grasses. That’s how I knew it was not just a little cold, but really cold. A biting wind flying through one’s legs feels no more pleasant to a goose than it does you or me.

The eagles have returned to our area, probably because one neighbor attracts so many ducks with his always-filled bird feeders and another runs a pump to keep the ice from forming attracting even more waterfowl. When they fly overhead, the ducks rush under the docks. The eagles stay though, standing on the ice, staking out their next move.

Seeing an eagle stand on the ice, you get a real impression of just how big a bird one is. They can weigh up to 15 pounds, with an 8 foot wingspan. They are a massive bird in flight, easily recognized by their wings laid out flat in the sky. The birds at our bay are mature birds, with the telltale white head and tail. Eagles don’t get this distinctive coloration until they are 4-5 years old, so we’re seeing some veterans here. They are long-lived too, living up to 40 years in the wild. Not too far from us, there is a pair of nesting bald eagles. It’s their nest that you first spot driving down the road. These nests can be up to 10 foot wide, assuming the tree or other structure can support it.

It’s a real treat for us to see these birds. It’s one of the benefits of living on a large body of water. Somehow having them here is also reassurance of the natural order of things. I see it as a privilege to have them here, to watch them hunt and roost and even frighten the ducks. It’s a great success story as well, having them here and knowing they were saved from the threat of extinction. They must be tough birds too, to handle this blustery winter day.