Eagles

An eagle just flew over the area where the eagle tree used to be. The area is about three hundred yards long and one hundred wide, mostly old live oak, with three very tall pine trees to break the pattern.

The eagle tree was the tallest in the wooded area, reaching six feet above the other trees. The tree was dead. Most trees where eagles build nests are dead. Lots of open area, which a big bird needs for landing and taking off and for growing little birds into big ones.

A nesting pair occupied the tree last year. After the eagles and their offspring departed, someone cut down the tree. Dead trees become hazardous in civilized areas.

Last summer the two adults sometimes played games above and in the trees, soaring high and diving at each other, racing across the sky, darting in among the trees and then climbing out.

This year there has been only one eagle. It could be last year’s hatchling, or one of the two adults. Trips out and back are not guaranteed safe.