The Eagles Have Landed

We have been riveted to the live eagle cam at our house.  Years ago I remember discovering this with our older kids and we had it on 24/7!  Now we turn it on now and again throughout the day, my youngest being the one to remember to watch the most.  We actually watched it last year as well, but no babies were born. This year… 

BABIES!!!  

There were two babies that hatched about the same time.  I assumed the third egg wasn’t going to hatch, but just this weekend a third baby emerged!  

Why do I love these birds so much?  

First of all, it is so peaceful. There may be a long stretch of no action, but having the noises of nature turned on is so calming.  I don’t usually love those noise machines that sound like the ocean, but this one is real life, so it sounds better.  

Being this close to the natural world is also very awe-inspiring. The interaction between mom and dad is probably my favorite! They screech to communicate. I’m sure some people can interpret what they are saying, it’s almost like they’re giving reports and discussing the care needed while they change places. They both take equally good care of their young and take the responsibility seriously. 

I found this evening time especially touching.  There was a storm one night and daddy or mommy (I can’t tell which is which) hunkered down and let the snow cover them while protecting the babies.  I know their skin and feathers are prepared for such weather, but still, the complete sacrifice was astounding to witness.  The hours endured by loving parents cannot go unnoticed! 

As parents, we can reach back into our memories when we, hopefully, were the shelter for our own children when the winds blew and darkness descended. We can reach back and remember the moments our own parents did that for us!  No matter how big or small, there is always sacrifice in parenting. 

And then the feedings!  Oh, my goodness.  Watching the feedings I am so in awe of the patience involved.  The mom or dad pull a piece of meat, and hold it close toward to the babies to see if any of them reach for it. Then, both mouths somehow connect and food is passed over. And how do you make sure each baby gets what they want because there is definitely one chick more aggressive than the other, and now the poor third baby has to fight it’s way to the food the he’s so much smaller. It’s so fascinating! 

I had one friend say, “It’s incredible that any of these birds survive! It seems so hard to get the food from the parent to the baby! I’m so glad I didn’t have to contend with beaks. ”  

Anyway, this is just what has been on my screen and mind the last week, so I thought I would share. My heart swells with awesome wonder when witnessing the world God has created! 

* * * * * * 

Oh, Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder 

Consider all the world thy hands have made 

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder 

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

When through the woods and forest glades I wander 

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook and gentle breeze. 

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee, 

How great thou art. 

How great thou art!