As I noted previously, we fought for the protection of these then 'threatened and endangered' raptors from the ravaging effects of drilling operations so near their historic nesting sites - but lost that battle. Well... we didn't loose it, the eagles did. And we failed them. This was the only other one I'd seen since 2003. This eagle is actually facing its nesting site to the West, beside the Arbaney pad and site of the former Dietrich water well (note photo below from 2004). It took a while for the eagles to get the message, but now they've all but disappeared from the landscape. At least, we haven't seen any in years. (note: I wrote this just prior to seeing a juvenile bald eagle soar over our home on November 27, 2007). That's two sightings in nearly five years. It's extraordinary that they seem to have finally returned to Summerhawk!
They used to nest all along the cliffs here that wrapped around into Summerhawk. And years ago I saw a pair of them perform a mating ritual directly over Summerhawk valley - a unique blessing on the land. The bald eagle performs an extraordinary mating ritual in which the male and female perform incredible aerial loops and swoops until finally locking talons hundreds of feet above the earth and plummeting toward the ground. They free-fall until the mating is complete, when they release one another - often moments before crashing - and soar into the sky to do the same thing over and over again. Such inspired behavior is an aspect which sets these birds apart; and for a creature which cycles between the sun and the Earth, such behavior is illustrative of balance and an exuberance of dwelling in both physical realms.
To forsake the balance of earth, sky and water - all elements intimately familiar to this great bird - is to forsake ourselves.
If their remaining here, however, subjects them to the kind of pollutants like this picture reveals, then as sad as it is, it is best for them that they have gone. But we've lost an important aspect of this valley's ecological health and forsaken a tremendous spiritual entity.
I've always believed that every plant and animal is sacred, from the wild oat seed to the tiny shrew to the majestic eagle, which are inextricably intertwined, blending one's energies into the other; but, for eons, cultures around the world have recognized the eagle for it's special abilities to hunt and reach great heights. Therefore it is frequently regarded as possessing enhanced spiritual qualities. It is often portrayed among Native American cultures as the Thunderbird - an entity which symbolizes heroic nobility and a divine spirit. They are considered messengers from heaven and embody the spirit of the sun. The eagle teaches us to use our vision to see far into the past, clearly view the present and project into the future. It encourages us to view the larger picture, cultivate our patience and strive for heightened awareness while seeking an inner balance between the physical and spiritual realms.
I've been privileged to see these magnificent creatures of the sky hunt, kill, soar, mate and - now... appear to ponder, as the eagle above quietly delivered a profound message of which I took careful heed.
Though not completely unusual, my presence did not disturb this huge bird of prey. Instead, it remained still while I observed it. I don't know when it left it's perch, as it remained until I left the area.
It used to be quite popular among the drilling companies to fly an American flag off of a rig during drilling operations. I'm glad that ridiculous ruse has fallen out of favor. This picture tells the real tale. If you want to see the other side of the mountain in a Post Independent news photo I just [05-13-08] learned about visit: www.dividecreek.com
