Return of the Bald Eagle

One thing I look forward to every winter, other than snowshoeing and such, is the return of the bald eagle to the Heber Valley. While most migratory birds are headed south out of Utah to escape the cold and follow their food sources to warmer climes, Baldies are coming in from the north to enjoy what for them are milder temperatures and generally open water.

On this snowy day I spotted this large, dark spot in the tree. Depending on the weather and the surrounding terrain, you either look for a large "headless" spot, or a floating "golf ball" in the trees. Generally this is about as close as you get to them.

But on this day, our National Symbol was sitting in a tree rather close to the road. So I was able to snap a few closer-ups.

Well, hello.

Once you get this close, you see that in addition to their dark body and white head and tail, they have a massive yellow bill which is helpful in identifying them and in tearing flesh into more managable sizes. However, while that bill certainly demands respect (I was once bitten by an owl while attempting to pet it. After its handler said I could. My reward for such a move was a quick snap and two holes in my finger oozing blood), it isn't really the business end of this bird.