On the River

Floating down the river we encounter so many birds, it seems we have entered an aviary. Green Heron maneuver between branches of the trees along the bank. A Night Heron glides low over the water. We look up to see an Osprey spread its magnificent wings and sail over the tree tops. Great Blues are everywhere. They cry from the water’s edge, we see them wading in the shallows and perching on dead logs. Some rise up from the river as we drift by, others merely stare and then go back to work pulling fish from the clear, flowing stream.
My companion calmly remarks that she thinks she has seen a Bald Eagle. As we come around a bend she points to an over hanging branch. There is a dark mass on the tree limb somewhat obscured by leaves. We move silently towards the western bank trying to get a clear view. The dark object begins to take on a recognizable form, the stately silhouette is unmistakable. We float even closer until the Eagle lifts off from its perch and soars. It circles once over the river and returns to the tree, coming in over our heads. We continue downstream craning our necks to keep the beautiful bird in sight as long as possible.