Schooled by eagles
Eagles in Unalaska are like pigeons in city parks. They are perched on every building and sides of hill exchanging their high-pitched shrill.
Eagles on Holy Ascension Cathedral of Christ
This morning, I quickly exchanged positions, as the eagles became my teachers and I, their student. I was definitely schooled by these massive, powerful birds with large beaks and talons.
Walking bridge guards
Two eagles guarded the bridge from above. As I approached, I was closer to them then I have ever been to an eagle …that is, a caged eagle.
Walking bridge in Unalaska
2 guards
Safe crossing?
These eagles were not caged and they were not moving; only staring. Was my safe passage across the bridge in jeopardy?
Staring eagle with strong beak
Here is where my imagination overruled my logic. I assessed my protective gear- my small, hard, camera in one hand and a map in the other. Was that all I had to protect my fleshy, exposed face? The nesting bird sign that I passed earlier did not quell my fears.
Eagle nesting sign
Should I talk to the birds? Yes! I chose a soft voice and asked them to leave so I could continue across the bridge. They were poor listeners. I continued to talk to them as I inched my way under them. Finally, the juvenile flew a few yards away. Then the adult hopped 2 feet away. Breathe deeply. Continue talking and inching my way across the bridge. Success!
Hopping away!
A few minutes passed, and a 10 year-old girl on bike rode swiftly across the bridge without even a look up to the guard eagles.
I am humbled by both bird and girl.
Listen to the shrill of the flying eagles
http://youtu.be/uHbV_3tbTso