The salt marsh can be a nasty place in the winter. Even on a sunny day, the wind can be harsh and the salt spray biting. Regardless of the elements, my grandson and I set out on our adventure on New Year’s Eve along the salt marsh trail, determined to make it at least as far as the first bridge.
The trail was icy in spots and the wind was convincing us to turn back with every step past the shelter of the trees. However, as we approached the end of the Canada Goose bridge, we caught sight of the first of four bald eagles hunting in the marsh.
Inspired to plod on, we forced ourselves forward in order to get a closer look.
We caught sight of one on the next bridge. It too was clearly fighting the wind, clinging to the wooden bridge rail with its mighty talons. We ignored the pelting salt spray but the wind kept thrashing us about. It became more and more difficult to just hold onto the camera, let alone take a decent photograph of our subject.
Despite the difficulty, we were quite elated to have had such a close encounter with such a magnificent creature. Doing hard things has its rewards.
Before flying off, the eagle looked directly towards us. Wow. We headed back, glad that we had dared to venture out into the marsh on such a windy day.
Later at Tim Horton’s, I wondered if the bald eagles were having duck or fish as we enjoyed our soup and coffee .
Happy New Year to all! May you always find the joy in doing hard things in the year ahead.
All photographs and text copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2013
It’s a wonder your fingers didn’t freeze to the camera!
James, I had to have gloves on, which made it even more difficult to manipulate, but there was no way I could have done this barehanded.
I love how you and your grandson are sharing such engaging ventures with nature! Wonderful Eagle camera capture too.
Namaste
Eva, that we do this together is good for us both. He was concerned for a stretch that he’d be blown by the wind into the water but we huddled together as we walked and that made it more do-able during the worst of it
What a thrilling walk Amy Lynn! And so lovely to share with your grandson. Lovely shots as well as those illusive giant birds. I saw a couple on Scotts Beach when I was with Sybil and was so excited!
Lynne, it was quite thrilling indeed. (Good thing we didn’t bring flat Kathy along or the wind would certainly have blown her into the marsh).
*sniff* *sniff*
Your brave walk together in the cold strong wind, discovering eagles, must have created a memory for lifetime, for both of you. I enjoyed to read the story. Things looks different and feels more intensive when seen together with a child, I think. I can imagine the cold wind, and the fingers almost frozen, and I still wonder how that could be shown at a photo…
I wish you and your family a happy new year.
Birgitte, experiencing nature accompanied by a child certainly is much more intense. Their sense of wonder easily surfaces with each and every discovery. By contrast, adults can be so blasé, a quality, like bitterness, that seems to slowly creep up with age.
Thank you for the new year wishes and the same back to you
Happy new to you, Amy-Lynn! Your arduous adventure was amply rewarded!
Happy new year to you too Pamela! Yes it was a wonderful reward. It sets the bar pretty high for our next adventure
I can’t believe how close you got to it Amy-Lynn. Your grandson is a very lucky boy.
Sybil, yes, as you know, I can only get so close with my camera. We are both lucky to have seen such a gorgeous creature in its habitat.
Happy New Year – excellent citing of the bald eagle.
Happy new year to you too Dawn
Their wide wingspan and white head and tail identify them quickly when they’re in flight, even when other birds are in the sky.
I hesitate to post here, but curvy Kathy really likes the eagle and admires your close siting. And she likes that you take your grandson for nature walks like these.
Kathy, never hesitate. The grandson along makes it all even more wonderful.
Happy New Year to you, too, Amy-Lynn! What a memorable experience you shared with your grandson, and you are so right, when we make an effort to press on in spite of less than ideal conditions nature often blesses us with a special encounter. What a thrill to have such a majestic bird look directly at you, acknowledging your presence. I bet your grandson will always remember this special new year!
Barbara, I think he’ll remember it for a long time too. Nature is never stingy with her rewards
Perhaps the eagle was acknowledging your determination as it allowed you to come closer – raptor holding you enraptured.
Aubrey, that is a very clever way of putting it
What a thrill! And such a marvelous experience to share with your grandson. Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing it here.
Cindy, nice to know you enjoy the same thrills I do
You are a world-class grandma – and so lucky to have the grandchild to match. The eagles were a treat. I suppose there are places where seeing them is a ho-hum routine, but Around Here they are pretty special.
Gerry, they are becoming more common to sight around here but it’s still not a ho-hum thing for me. This past summer I saw one in flight and noticed a feather fall from it into the woods. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent unsuccessfully looking for it.
Inspirational – you’re a totally rocking grandma!!
Reggie, rocking and… slipping these days along the trail. Too much ice for safe walks lately.