A Young Reader story for ages 8-10

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Word Count 11!"1#

$%&'(T )$ T(E E*'%E +, -ichard . Esther /rovencher 0 1211 *ll -ights -eserved

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*dam was 4uite e5cited as grandma6s car e5ited from highwa, 121. (e couldn6t wait to see some eagles7 3ow all the, had to do was follow signs to the Eagle Watch wee8end at Cannington! 3ova 9cotia. :riving past the new +ig 9top &rving station! his ten-,ear old e,es almost bugged out. $lapping in the wind was a monster Canadian flag. &t must be the largest one in the whole world. ;:id,a see that<= his older sister >elanie as8ed! po8ing his shoulder. 9he continued to point out the window! ignoring his 4uiet ;)uch.= ;:on6t be such a bab,!= she said.

;)8a,! now it6s m, turn. Eagle Watch sign7= *dam shouted. (e speared twelve-,ear old >elanie with his sharpest fingernail. ;That hurt!= his sister! said. ;+esides! that6s not what & was tal8ing about! muscle brain. The sign on the edge of the road has a drawing of an eagle. ;&t even loo8s li8e ,ou!= she teased. *dam s4uee?ed his right fist tightl,. &t turned into a battering ram of bone and muscle. )ne 8nuc8le stuc8 out! preparing to attac8. &t was too much for seven-,ear old Colin. (e was nervous sitting in the middle of two wrestlers. ;'ramma @ 'rampa. >a8e them stop.= (e usuall, didn6t sa, much. -ight now he was 4uite anno,ed. Then >elanie reached over and slammed *dam. * good one landed right between his shoulder blades. ;:or8!= her tight-lipped mouth said. ;:id ,ou have to 9>A9( me so hard<= *dam gasped. ;Buit it ,ou two!= grandpa said. ;&f ,ou weren6t so bus, having a bo5ing match ,ou might notice that sign over there. There6s a lot of writing on it.= ;9orr, grandpa. 9orr, grandma!= two voices mumbled from the bac8 seat. Colin rolled his e,es. What a bunch of fa8es he thought. ;& reall, don6t 8now how sorr, ,ou both are!= grandma said. ;We could go bac8 home! ,ou 8now. 3ow! do ,ou want me to be a nice grandma and slow the car down< 9o ,ou can read what the sign sa,s.=

Three voices answered 4uic8l,! before ,ou could count to three. ;Ces7 Ces7 Ces7= was their statement of truce. 3o one wanted to go home! bac8 to Truro. Their fun had barel, begun. >om and dad couldn6t ma8e it toda,. *nd the children didn6t want to sta, home with a bab,sitter. There was a large sign with a picture of an eagle and a printed message. Ever,one read! ;&3$) 9T)/ D E> *(E*:.= ;& li8e the drawing!= grandma said. ;This one actuall, loo8s li8e an eagle!= grandpa answered. ;&s that reall, what a bald, eagle loo8s li8e<= Colin as8ed. 3one of the children had ever seen one up close before! e5cept on TF. Their car hurried across the Cornwallis -iver +ridge. *dam and >elanie loo8ed around. ;(mmm@interesting!= the, agreed. &t was the children6s first trip to this part of the province. ;>ost people call this whole area! GThe Falle,!6 ; grandma said. &t was almost as if she could read her grandchildren6s minds. *s the, drove slowl, along the winding road! *dam noticed mounds of ha, covered in plastic. ;3ot enough room for the ha, in the barn!= grandpa volunteered. The see-throughmaterial was held in place with tires scattered loosel, on top. *n orange-colored Combine machine sat silentl, in the field.

;&t6s waiting patientl, for the ne5t crop of wheat to be cut!= 'randma said! smiling in *dam6s direction. >ore GEagle Watch6 signs led them past the $irst Cornwallis Anited +aptist Church. *nother right! then a left as the, drove into a small field. *n E*'%E &3$) bo5 provided more detailed information. 'randpa pic8ed out a photocopied map of the area. There was also a paper e5plaining wh, this wee8end was so special. &t reminded all tourists coming to see eagles! to also enHo, the scener,. Ever,one was encouraged to drive to the G%oo8-)ff6 on 3orth >ountain. 'lowing words read! ;/repare for a breathta8ing view of >inas +asin.= ;)nl, one map and information sheet left7= grandpa ,elled! hurr,ing bac8 to the warm car. ;>ust be 4uite a crowd ahead of us!= he added. ;Cup!= Colin confirmed. ;& wish dad was here to see the eagles!= *dam said. (e wanted to see lots and lots toda,. ;Too bad mom couldn6t be here too!= >elanie said. * few 8ilometers later the, entered the little village of 9heffield >ills. %ong lines of cars were par8ed on both sides of >iddle :,8e -oad. ;9omeone around here sure 8nows how to draw!= grandma said. 9he nodded her approval at the wooden 9heffield >ills sign. ;*nd paint too!= >elanie piped up. ;%oo8 how prett, the colored letters are! grandma.=

;3ot as nice as ,ours 'ramma!= Colin boasted. ;Well! than8 ,ou!= she answered. ;(urr, up. & Hust want to see a whole bunch of eagles!= *dam said. (e was getting 4uite impatient from their long ride. ;>e too!= Colin said. ;* whole bunch.= ;Cou mean floc8s<= 'randpa corrected. ;Cou 8now what & mean!= *dam said shrugging his shoulders. (e hated to be teased! or corrected. (e flic8ed strands of dar8 hair from across his forehead. (is brow furrowed into a frown. *head of them! the little village was surrounded b, land! flat as a tabletop. (ills stared from the distance! and frost, fields greeted the new arrivals. The, turned onto the Eenned, propert, as suggested from their &nfo >ap. *fter par8ing the car alongside ten or twelve others the famil, noticed a bare loo8ing tree. &t was similar to one from a picture in the brochure. E5cept this one was totall, stripped of all bar8. ;The Eagle Tree7= ever,one shouted! li8e a chorus on TF. *dam turned his head as someone nearb, spo8e up. ;&t is at that!= a man said! po8ing his head from the ne5t car. ;&f this is ,our first visit! ,ou6re in for a treat.= (e 8indl, pointed out a good spot for the famil, to watch for eagles.

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*dam could barel, hide his disappointment. The, were finall, here in 9heffield >ills. 9o where were the eagles< The, should be hanging all over the branches belonging to that lonesome loo8ing Eagle tree. That6s where the newspaper said the, were supposed to be. Without bar8 and leaves the oa8 tree loo8ed alone and forgotten. * Ianuar, wind whipped across *dam6s face. 'ood thing he had on his winter cap! with furr, earflaps. (e pressed grandpa6s binoculars tightl, against his e,e soc8ets. (is lenses should be able to spot some 8ind of fl,ing images. *n,thing would do. +ut! there was nothing to see.

The stor, grandma read ,esterda, couldn6t have lied. &t said up to 122 eagles could be seen during this Eagle Watch wee8end. Maybe it was just a science fiction story! *dam wondered. )r it could be a neat wa, to get tourists to visit and spend mone, in this little village. (e 8new he had to be careful with his overactive imagination. (ow could he brag to his friends about all the eagles he saw< +ut that would be l,ing. 3o sense grumbling about it. Ta8ing his right glove off! *dam began chewing on his thumbnail. &t helped him thin8. ;(ungr,<; is what dad usuall, said. Then he would point to his own fingers and pretend to gobble them up. &t almost made *dam gross out. >om was clearer with her message. 9he simpl, scrunched up her face and said! ;/lease! not that again.= 3ot being here! both couldn6t get upset. The, had to go to Truro to see about dad6s new Hob. (is father was 4uite e5cited about getting the position of 'eneral >anager at 9taples )ffice 9upplies. >oving here from )ntario wasn6t 4uite as thrilling for *dam and >elanie. %eaving good friends behind was more than painful. Colin didn6t seem to mind though. (e 8new how to ma8e friends an,where. It must be easier when youre a little kid! *dam thought.

$inall,! a few months ago it had sun8 in. ;We6re moving to 3ova 9cotia7= was the new famil, song. ;Where grandma and grandpa live77= the, had shouted. That was the onl, good part at the time. -ight now grandma! grandpa! >elanie and Colin shivered beside him in the wind. The, 8ept watching to see if he would shout out an, success. ;>, turn Gshrimp!6 = >elanie mumbled! grabbing at the binoculars. ;This must be the coldest da, in the whole ,ear!= *dam whined! handing them over. (e couldn6t wait to grow taller! so he wouldn6t alwa,s have to loo8 up at his sister. &t was hard on his nec8. That6s what the, called him at school! ;9hrimp.= ;3ow-3ow!= grandma Esther usuall, said. )r else! she would cluc8 her tongue at an, negative thin8ing. This time she didn6t do either. (er scrunched up e,es and scowling face did all the tal8ing.

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The, had left Truro at e5actl, D *>. The newspaper stor, said to be here earl, in order to watch the eagles eat from food stations. *rea farmers placed leftover chic8ens out for feeding around 12 *>. &t was now fifteen minutes past. *nd the eagle tree that was supposed to be full of eagles didn6t even have one visitor. *dam wondered wh, the, were in such a big rush to get there. There was nothing to see.

;Time to get up!= grandma said earlier this morning. The words came the e5act moment a ,o8e of sunshine warmed *dam6s e,elids. (e was alwa,s proud of the fact he didn6t need an alarm cloc8 to wa8e up. Especiall, to be going on such an e5citing trip. /erhaps do?ens of them were waiting! Hust for him. )ne of his main indoor hobbies was reading about animals! and birds. *nd eagles7 The newspaper read that eagles in 9heffield >ills could be viewed up. -eall, close! but in safe range. *nd he 8new the, wouldn6t lie. Would the,< ;(urr, up!= grandpa had called from the hallwa,. ;)r else we6ll never get to see those eagles! chum.= ;The,6re +ald Eagles grandpa!= >elanie piped up! from her room this morning. Ever,one said she had ears that could hear through steel doors. *dam 8new she was 4uite smart! and nose, too. ;9ure...sure.= *ren6t all eagles around here bald<= 'randpa teased. ;)nl, mature adults li8e ,ou!= >elanie giggled. ;That6s o8a,! ugl,!= *dam piped up! coming to grandpa6s assistance. +esides! he too8 ever, opportunit, to po8e fun at his sister. ;)8a,@o8a,. & can ta8e a Ho8e. 3ow come on! let6s get going!= grandpa said. ;+esides! a bald eagle has white fur on its head. >a,be & should put in an order for some.=

Ever,one laughed! e5cept *dam. (e didn6t want an,one ma8ing fun of grandpa! nor his eagles. ;&6m not bald! Hust mature!= grandpa added. ;&mmature bald eagles aren6t bald. The, also have lighter color in their wing linings. *nd a shorter tail!= >elanie said matter-of-factl,. ;Where did ,ou learn all this< 'randma as8ed. ;*dam told me!= >elanie said proudl,. ;(e 8nows a lot about eagles.= ;& bet it has something to do with that proHect he did!= said grandma. ;Whatever!= >elanie answered. ;Eagles loo8 ali8e to me!= grandpa said. ;+ut & do enHo, watching them. That6s wh, we want this to be a ver, special trip.= ;$or goodness sa8e!= grandma said. ;%et6s get going. %ast night & said we should get to bed earl,. 3ow loo8 at the time.= *dam was surprised how 4uic8l, the night had slipped b,. &t was li8e a shadow! which bloc8ed out well laid plans. :ressing for the da,! then gobbling up brea8fast were bus, activities. *nd when finished it was *dam who led the charge down the front steps. *fter all! he was the fastest runner in his school age group. )ne hundred and twent, 8ilometers later! the, arrived at the Eenned, farm in 9heffield >ills.

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*dam6s binoculars were almost glued to his e,es. Cet! the eagle tree remained bare as an icicle.

(e carefull, viewed ever, inch of the tree. (e chec8ed for a hidden head or a folded wing! an,thing. /erhaps there was a feather caught in the elbow of a branch. 9adl,! there was nothing. ;'randma!= *dam whined. ;Where are the,<= ;(i there!= an approaching man said. ;& couldn6t help overhearing. :on6t be discouraged. The eagles are spread all over. &f ,ou scan that strand of trees at the edge of the field! ,ou can see a large nest. :on6t be disappointed if the, ta8e their time coming around this spot...= ;+ut we drove a long wa, from Truro to see them!= *dam interrupted. The man placed a finger on his lips to gain *dam6s attention. ;*bout half an hour ago there were about a do?en eagles fl,ing right overhead!= he whispered. ;-eall,7= *dam e5claimed. ;Ces!= the man continued. ;9even actuall, landed in that eagle tree. & 8now &t6s 8ind of worn and chewed right now. +ut the, fre4uentl, use it as a resting place.= When the man said! ;worn and chewed!= *dam thought about his fingernails. )ne of these da,s he planned to listen to grandma and grandpa6s words. ;*ren6t ,ou tired of us alwa,s reminding ,ou!= the, 8eep sa,ing. ;'randma7 Come here! hurr, up7= *dam and >elanie shouted together. ;This man told us eagles were right over there7 &n the eagle tree7= ;9how me7 9how me7= Colin piped up.

;Ces. The, ma, even come bac8. +ut right now the bris8 wind 8eeps them moving around!= the stranger said. The man was right. Wind, gusts 8ept hammering them. *dam had a hard time seeing properl,. (is hot breath 8ept misting his binocular lenses. (e patientl, scanned the s8,. ;The, love to soar!= the man said. ;The, ride the thermals as high as the, can. &t allows them to move upwards! as if shot from a cannon. Then the, glide downwards with their massive wings.= ;>, name is %arr,!= *dam6s grandfather said! as he Hoined the group. ;Cou alread, met m, wife! Esther. These are m, grandchildren! >elanie and Colin. Cou6ve alread, been chatting with *dam. The,6re from %ondon! )ntario. -ight now the,6re living with us in 'lenholme. *t least until their new home is built.= ;Welcome to 3ova 9cotia! children7 &6m from Carmouth m,self. Iust call me! Chuc8!= their new friend said. ;)8! Chuc8. (ave ,ou come here often<= 'randma as8ed! Hoining the conversation. ;+een here three times alread,. Asuall, there are more people! but it must be too cold for them toda,. & see ,our ,oung ones are properl, dressed.= ;Well! as a matter of fact the,6re used to the outdoors. *nd when ,ou li8e to do things@= ;We6re tough!= >elanie said 4uic8l,. ;Cup!= Colin added.

;9hush!= grandpa said. ;We too8 them hi8ing around the province several times alread,. The,6ve been to /egg,6s Cove and the Cabot Trail.= ;Cah. That was neat!= Colin said. ;(e, mister! can & use ,our telescope<= ;:on6t interrupt! Colin. &t6s not polite.= 'randpa continued to listen to Chuc8. ;Then! this weather shouldn6t bother ,ou too much. Ta8e a wal8 around the corner in that direction!= he said! pointing. ;&6m going there m,self. That6s wh, & can6t lend ,ou m, telescope! Colin.= ;9ounds li8e a good spot. (one,< Eids< %et6s chec8 it out. We can leave the car. >ight see some s8, movement! since there isn6t much happening here.= ;Come on grandma!= *dam said. ;%et6s go.= (e strutted li8e a soldier as he led them around the streets of 9heffield >ills. $re4uentl, ever,one halted and loo8ed up at the s8,. Craning their nec8s! heads made little circles of movement. $rom a distance it loo8ed li8e the, were doing e5ercises. $aces continued to arch upwards! e,es searching for fl,ing eagles. ;This is discouraging!= *dam said. :eHected! he sat down on the curb. ;(e,7= a nearb, man shouted. ;There6s a recreation hall not far awa,. &f ,ou6re hungr,! there6s panca8es and sausages!= he said. ;*nd give ,ou a chance to warm up.= *dam and his famil, alread, had a good brea8fast. 9o there was no need to spend mone, on alread, full tummies.

;Cou should go then head upstairs!= the man said. ;There6s all 8inds of crafts! home ba8ing. *nd videos on eagles@= ;Eagles= was the magic word. *nd *dam was on full alert. ;%et6s go grandpa7= he ,elled. 9uddenl, the bo, was re-energi?ed. The building was Hust a bloc8 awa,. Cars were lined up on both sides of the street and the par8ing lot was full. +ut the, clamored through the doorwa, an,wa,.

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;9ure smells good7= the grandchildren shouted! passing a long lineup in the downstairs doorwa,. ;(int. (int.= 'randma said with a smile as she followed her husband upstairs. ;Come on 8ids!= 'randpa challenged. ;-ace ,ou.= Three sets of snea8ers almost 8noc8ed their grandmother down as the, thundered past. )ne lad, said! ;Cou want to see a real treasure of activit, upstairs.= 3ow the, entered a large room with a variet, of displa, tables. /ictures! models and even drawings of eagles were placed on tables and walls. *dam almost e5pected someone to come b, with a pet eagle on a leash. The children rushed around chec8ing out all displa,s. )f course! an assortment of home ba8ed items easil, caught their e,e. This is where *dam! the coo8ie monster had a little visit. +esides stamp collecting! he and grandpa had a sweet tooth to satisf,. *nd a search began for peanut butter coo8ies! grandpa6s favorite treat. +ut something else in a corner of the room caught *dam6s e,e. * colorful video on eagles was being shown7 (e was reall, e5cited as he sat down and listened intentl,. E,ebrows were raised and lips puc8ered up in concentration.

The TF spea8er said clearl, and distinctl,! ;Eagles and ravens get along together. Even though no one understands wh,.= Colin Hoined >elanie visiting tables in the opposite end of the large room. This gave *dam a chance to be alone at the video. E,es bulging! he watched close-ups of eagles eating chic8ens. The, easil, tore carcasses apart using their sharp talons and curved bea8s. ;$armers in this area speciali?e in raising pigs and chic8ens!= the TF moderator said. ;The, originall, set up food stations in this area twent, ,ears ago. 9ince then the si?e of eagle floc8s have grown much larger.= *dam soa8ed up this new information. (e was astonished to learn eagles came mostl, from Cape +reton. *nd remembered the island from their recent trip with his grandparents. The Canso 9trait +ridge lin8ed it to the mainland. &t was an enHo,able ride of almost 122 8ilometers from Truro. ;We6ll come bac8 another time!= grandma had promised. ;*nd visit +addec8. :id ,ou 8now that *le5ander 'raham +ell also invented the light bulb< There6s even a museum in his honor.= *dam reHoined his brother and sister after the video was completed. ;9o much to see!= >elanie said to *dam. ;Cup!= Colin agreed.

The, were ama?ed how realistic ta5idermists were able to portra, eagles on perches. Their large feet and wingspans were ;cool.= &t was a word used as the, moved around the room. Their e,es feasted on ever,thing. *dam was li8e a sponge soa8ing up ever, spec8 of information about eagles. When he loo8ed at his watch! he noticed time racing along. ;'randma@'randpa< )8a, if & go around! one more time<= 'randma6s 4uic8 smile was all that was needed. Then *dam was off ma8ing the rounds for another half hour. (e watched a second video. &t was fascinating seeing a raven pluc8 at an eagle6s tail feathers. This distracted the larger bird while another raven sei?ed the eagle6s lunch. The eagle didn6t seem to mind this little game. (owever! when another eagle tried the same tric8! it turned into a talon and bea8shoving match. >elanie alwa,s wondered wh, *dam waved his arms around when he was e5cited. 3ow she 8new he must be part eagle! she smiled. )ther bits of video news reached *dam6s ears. ;Eagles are s,mbols of power and courage!= the TF announcer said. ;That6s wh, the bald eagle is the national emblem of the Anited 9tates.=

*dam was surprised to learn about their strength! easil, carr,ing victims to their nest. Asing a 8een sense of vision! eagles were easil, able to capture their pre,. $ish! rodents! sna8es and even rabbits provided a tast, diet. This video is a really neat! *dam thought. 3ow he could hardl, wait to get outside and see some eagles in action.

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Children and adults could hardl, believe how 4uic8l, the afternoon sped b,. *dam saw onl, one eagle heading awa, from them. &t was being chased b, what loo8ed li8e a raven. The, both flew up! down and around li8e two children pla,ing tag. ;&t6s the same as & saw on the video!= *dam said! loo8ing intentl, through his binoculars. 3ow he 8new for certain eagles and ravens were true friends. (e had seen it with his ver, own e,es. Imagine being friends with a majestic bald eagle. The thought sent shivers of e5citement down *dam6s bac8. 9uddenl,! &t was Gstop and use the washroom time6! at a nearb, garage station. This was followed b, a visit to the variet, store for treats. ;* few munchies for the trip home!= grandpa said.

;+ut! it6s still earl,!= *dam pouted. ;(ow come we6re going alread,< We hardl, saw an,thing!= he whined. 'randma and grandpa didn6t seem to hear him. *t least the, pretended not to! and left *dam mumbling to himself. The trip home was not something *dam loo8ed forward to. *ll this wa, and the, hardl, saw an, eagles. Cou reall, couldn6t count one as an,thing e5traordinar,. (e was 4uite disappointed. (is chocolate bar seemed to lodge in his throat. *nd his feet began to sweat in his winter boots. ;Cheer up!= >elanie said! feeling sorr, for her brother6s sadness. ;We did see a whole bunch of seagulls.= *dam figured 9is was teasing him. ;We came to see eagles7= he shouted. +eing so bus, feeling down he didn6t reali?e their return route was a little different. >elanie also missed sl, smiles from her grandparent6s faces. Colin didn6t notice an, changes either. (e was too bus, drin8ing his apple Huice. The, drove through Cannington village. Then traveled on a traffic-free section of highwa, alongside the *nnapolis -iver. (ouses were mostl, wood with various colors and newl, shingled roofs. The children sat 4uietl, in the bac8 seat! absorbed in their thoughts.

* few 8ilometers later the car slowed down at a sign that read! ;E&3'9/)-T- b, the 9ea.= +oth grandparents spo8e in whispers! as if sharing a secret. *dam was curious. ;What6s up! grandpa<= he in4uired. ;)h b, some dumb old river!= >elanie said. ;'randma< When are we going to finall, get home<= she as8ed. ;Cah!= Colin mumbled sleepil, in the warm car. ;&t6s Hust a different wa, home. /lease settle down bac8 there!= grandpa said seriousl,. (e tried to 8eep a chuc8le from his voice. *s the car slowed once again! each child wondered aloud! ;Wh, are we stopping<= This slow driving and stopping had lulled them into a sleep, state. 3ow the, were alert! glancing out the window. The children saw what loo8ed li8e a huge floc8 of crows! across the river. ;*re those all seagulls<= >elanie as8ed. ;The,6re circling something on the ground. >a,be some animal died.= ;-oad 8ill7= Colin shouted. *dam wasn6t interested. Who cared whether those were crows or seagulls! an,wa,< (e came here to see eagles. )ne time on the shores of Econom, village! he observed sea gulls thic8 as flies. The, almost scared the clams he was tr,ing to dig out during low tide.

+esides! ;fl,ing poop= birds as *dam li8ed to call them! messed up the shoreline. (ow could an,one even have a picnic with them around< ;'randpa@'randma. %et6s go!= he said. ;/atience *dam. (ere! ta8e these!= grandpa said handing over the binoculars. ;'o on sport! get out and ta8e a closer loo8. Chec8 across the river! high up.= ;&t6s free?ing out!= *dam moaned. (e was finall, nice and warm! but he 8new he should humor grandpa. 9ometimes the older man could get so stubborn. *dam did love him so much though. *nd ditto for 'randma. ;+---! ,ou6re right. Buic8! close the door7= >elanie shouted. ;Cah!= Colin added. ;(urr, up!= he said! putting his coat bac8 on. *dam ?ipped his Hac8et all the wa, to his nec8. *fter pulling his cap tightl, on his head he stepped into the cold wind. Woolen gloves made it aw8ward to raise the ;binoculars= in the direction grandpa had pointed to. ;The, loo8 li8e@no@not sea gulls!= he said slowl, as he adHusted the lenses. =>a,be Hust crows or ravens. )r@whatever. There6re too far awa,. Time to go!= he said deHectedl,! then turned and opened the car door. ;Chec8 again *dam!= grandpa encouraged. ;)ne more time! o8a,<=

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*t that precise moment *dam sensed something behind him. * sudden movement made him duc8 down. The huge bird swooped closel, over his head and headed towards the river. *dam barel, caught a glimpse of the eagle! as he gulped mouthfuls of air. 'iving a few sha8es of its eight-foot wide wingspan! the eagle disappeared straight up into the s8,. ;'randpa7 'randma7 Ever,one77 *n eagle7 * bald headed eagle flew right over m, head. %oo87 &t6s wa, up there7=

$amil, members raced to open windows. Then ga?ed an5iousl, in the direction of his pointing. *ll the, could see were seagulls and what loo8ed li8e ravens fl,ing in all directions. &t was as if various floc8s had gathered for a picnic. )r even their preparing to launch an attac8 on a school of fish in the river. *dam swung his binoculars in a sweep across the hori?on. The wind that seemed so cold before now simpl, brushed against his chee8s. &t was no more bothersome than a pes8, mos4uito. ;(ere comes another floc8 of something!= he said to himself. ;(ard to see! though. The,6re so man, fl,ing close together. /robabl, more crows or ravens.= (e spo8e loud enough so his voice could enter the partiall, opened car windows. *dam6s words were more li8e announcements! 8eeping the famil, up to date on his observations. >elanie noticed smiles begin to spread on her grandparent6s faces. Colin6s nose pressed tightl, against the window. (e was fascinated b, his brother6s e5citement. *dam was li8e a ballet dancer! spinning and turning as he searched ever, inch of the s8,. 'randpa turned to his wife! whispering loud enough so >elanie and Colin could hear. ;& met an old friend at the recreation hall we left. (e said we should come here@=

*dam wasn6t interested in pa,ing attention to an, conversation from the car. (is e,es were too bus, growing large as saucers. The beat of his heart 4uic8ened. (e 8new what was 4uic8l, fl,ing straight towards him. The, were li8e a bunch of runawa, trains rushing in his direction. ;Eagles7= he shouted. ;(ol, cow! an arm, of them7 %oo8 >elanie. This is awesome. Colin@%oo87= ;Wow!= >elanie said! lowering her window! the cold no longer a bother. ;(otdog!= Colin said! slapping his hands together. Then he opened the car door and Hoined his brother. &n a few moments ever,one was outside! sharing the e5citement. The eagles were so close no one needed binoculars. The famil, gathered around *dam! who Humped up and down li8e a Hac8-in-a bo5. (e 8ept twirling his arms. *nd his mouth had a hard time tr,ing to form words. ;(e,! give me those binoculars before ,ou drop them!= grandpa said laughingl,. ;%oo87 %))E7= was all *dam could sa,. (is enthusiasm stirred them all. *nd ever,one Hoined him Humping around! shouting! ;%))E7 %))E7= Their movements did not bother the eagles. * do?en of them now soared overhead! suddenl, ta8ing off straight up into the s8,. %i8e shooting arrows! the, disappeared into the clouds.

*nd! Hust as 4uic8l, descended as falling bungee Humpers towards the surface of the river. * shuffle of wings and the, were off again! sweeping awa, in several directions. *s if the, were part of an acrobatic high-fl,ing e5hibition. +ald headed eagles flew singl, and in pairs tr,ing to out-perform each other. The, danced li8e 8ites across the s8, with onl, a brief stretching of wings. These magnificent birds rode the wind li8e s8ateboarders. The, floated li8e maple leaves in autumn! drifting from branch to branch. Then shot up again! as if launched b, a ge,ser. 9omehow the, 8new their audience was thrilled from head to toe with their daring antics. *dults and children couldn6t stop laughing and slapping each other on bac8s and shoulders. This was certainl, a special famil, treat. 3ow the children were reall, glad the, moved to 3ova 9cotia7 *dam was pleased as a clam at high tide. (is sad thoughts about leaving for home a while ago now a distant memor,. &nstead! he was wrestling with a new feeling. This one was 4uite different. (e was all cho8ed up. &n fact! he was so happ, he felt li8e cr,ing. Emotions building up inside his chest were strange! ,et good at the same time. ;This is reall, cool!= he said over and over. ;>an oh man! this is so neat. 'randma< Eh! grandpa<=

;&t sure is grandson!= the, answered enHo,ing the glow on his face. The, came and stood beside him. >elanie was pleased for her brother. ;Cou finall, got to see a whole stac8 of eagles!= she said. Colin was reall, happ,! too. -ight then and there *dam made a promise. ;l6ll never forget ever,thing & saw toda,.= (e watched the eagle floc8 moving on! heading somewhere else. )ne seemed to linger! then turned towards him. ;)h! please come bac8. Iust one more time!= *dam said out loud. The eagle gave a rapid flap of its wings and made a beeline for the bo,. &t allowed *dam a chance to memori?e ever, e5citing detail of his new hobb,. (e was definitel, going to learn ever,thing he could on his now favorite wildlife. The bo,6s e,es moved across each of the feather, spread of wings. (e scanned its full length! from protruding tail feathers to the tip of an open bea8. &ts dar8 e,es burned into his memor,! li8e pools of energ,. The male eagle6s shrie8 of freedom caused a parade of eerie chills to race up and down *dam6s spine. The huge bird seemed to understand this little bo, was a friend. With a might, sweep of la,ered feathers the eagle caught the rising wind. *nd the magnificent bald eagle was sent speeding bac8 to his famil,. *dam followed ever, movement with his binoculars.

&t headed in the direction of forest silhouettes on the far river shore. 9uddenl,! the image was gone.

C(*/TE- E&'(T

*dam couldn6t wait to share his wee8end news. +ut! on >onda, morning his school chums weren6t ver, e5cited about eagle stories. ;Cou should6ve seen the fantastic sights & saw!= *dam 8ept sa,ing. (e had never seen eagles in )ntario. *nd here! well@the, seemed in plentiful suppl,. ;That6s the problem!= his best friend /aul said at recess. ;The,6re fl,ing around all the time here. 9o wh, sa,! G)oh-la-la6 ever, time we spot one<= ;+ut the,6re different!= *dam answered. ;& mean! & saw them up reall, close. The, weren6t Hust dots in the s8,. The, did tric8s! and@& was almost close enough to touch one.= ;Tric8s! huh< %i8e bungee Humping for fish< /aul as8ed in a moc8ing tone. ;'ive me a brea8!= he said! then headed bac8 at the ring of the school bell. ;Cou don6t understand!= *dam called after his departing friend. ;The, were awesome. The wa, the, danced in the s8,. &t was beautiful!= he whispered. *dam 8new ever,one was staring. 9ome might thin8 he was weird or something. Comments about him began before his grandparents too8 him on their ;eagle watch= trip to 9heffield >ills. &t wasn6t his fault the teacher said nice things about his eagle proHect last month. (e deserved it. Especiall, after all the research he had done. When he brought home a 1st /lace red ribbon! ever,one was proud. ;Cou did it!= grandma said! giving him a motherl, hug. ;'reat wor8! son!= dad added. ;& didn6t thin8 ,ou had it in ,ou.=

;Cop,cat!= >elanie said with a smile. 9he had won in the same categor, several ,ears before. ;:id ,ou win mone,<= Colin had as8ed. ;3))). Cou don6t win mone, for that!= *dam answered. ;Iust glor,!= mom and dad said with pride. When /aul reali?ed *dam was serious about eagles! the, became good friends. *nd he as8ed his parents if *dam could come to see their eagle nest. &t was on their ten-acre propert, beside Econom, -iver. ;This is better than eating chocolate ice cream!= *dam said. The nest was massive. ;&t6s much larger than when m, mom and dad first brought me!= /aul said. The nest was about nine feet across and five feet high. 9ome branches were three feet long. /aul said the inside was lined with green foliage. ;& got that information at the librar,!= he said. ;9o ,ou do research on eagles too!= *dam said 4uic8l,. &t was neat to see how the nest snuggled into the croo8 of a huge spruce. >assive branches spread out as two thic8 fingers. )ne 8ept brushing against the side of a sheer cliff. ;Their location is reall, cool!= he said. An8nown to both bo,s! a huge male bald eagle was observing them. (e was on his own eagle tree perch a little further down the valle,. /iercing e,es could detect the slightest movement even from that distance.

*dam learned much about eagles! from his friendship with /aul. +ut right now he could see two ,oung eagles po8ing heads from the nest. (e wished he had the courage to climb up and loo8 inside. >a,be even pat one of them. 3ow that would be the stor, of a lifetime. Iust thin8ing about it gave him goose bumps. Eagles had become *dam6s special bird of the forest. *nd /aul6s famil, propert, was his favorite eagle-watching place. >other eagle observed them carefull,. *nd sensed the bo,s would never harm her babies. *fter a period of time! *dam became a familiar figure to the eagles. (e was eas, to see! with his ,ellow bac8pac8 slung over his shoulders. (e wished his brother and sister would come and see these sights. ;& don6t li8e the bugs!= >elanie answered. Colin preferred to sta, home and pla, with his friends. ;*re ,ou coming! *dam<= intruded into his thoughts. &t meant the end of another trip in the woods with his friend. * supper of ba8ed beans and Iohnn,ca8e was waiting at /aul6s home. *dam wished he could watch the eagle nest longer. +ut reluctantl, followed his friend. ;-ace ,ou bac87= was a heart, challenge no bo, could resist. Their parents were waiting b, the road at five o6cloc8 as promised. ;:id ,ou have fun! bo,s<= the, as8ed.

;CE9997= returned as one voice. &t was nice being trusted to spend a few hours b, the river. The bo,s were of the same age! and responsible enough to be left alone for a few hours. *fter that heart, run *dam was glad it was suppertime. (e didn6t mind when /aul won the race. There was alwa,s the ne5t time.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

C(*/TE- 3&3E

+, now *dam6s name was on ever,one6s lips at school. When he first arrived as ;the new bo,= last 9eptember! he had to prove himself. 9tories of his wee8end6s adventure had made the rounds. (e had finall, gained a place within the circles of conversation. E5cept his new (onor -oll included a nic8name. ;(e,! ;Eagle-bo,!= was first used with chuc8les. Then it became Hust another name. To be honest! *dam rather li8ed it. )thers were Healous of his newfound status. *nd the, made sure he 8new it. Those who called him ;+irdie= or ;+ird-brain= intended to be nast,. There was a bit of Healous, against this )ntario 8id who had moved here. *t first the serious teasing bothered him. ;>om< :ad< Wh, are the, calling me those names<= he as8ed. ;Cou6ll get over it!= dad said. ;When the, grow more mature the,6ll stop being so sill,!= mom added. ;Ever,one at school gets called some 8ind of name!= 'randma Esther added. ;Even nast, ones li8e ;+irdie-brain!= she smiled. ;9o! what do ,ou thin8 Colin< Ever,one has an opinion. What6s ,ours<= :ad as8ed. Colin didn6t have an,thing to sa, right awa,. +ut he did thin8 about it while l,ing in bed. *nd the ne5t morning at brea8fast! he gave his opinion. ;Tell them about ,our eagle collection!= Colin said.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

:ad spilled his coffee. 'randma and grandpa laughed loudl,. The others were unable to sa, a word. Colin6s suggestion was the best advice ever,one had heard on the subHect of bull,ing. ;'reat idea7= *dam shouted. ;'randma< )E if & invite some of m, friends over after school<= ;9ure! *dam.= ;)8a, with us!= mom and dad Hoined in. +rea8fast was soon finished and ever,one prepared to head off in different directions. >om had to go shopping. 'randma needed to do some ba8ing. *nd dad was an5ious to review his store plans. 'randpa planned to sta, home and read. ;Colin< &6ll wal8 ,ou to school! )E<= *dam said sh,l,. ;:ad doesn6t have to drive ,ou! toda,.= Ever,one watched in ama?ement. &t loo8ed li8e the beginning of a new bond of friendship between two brothers. ;& wish & had thought of that idea!= >elanie said.; )h well! friends were waiting. (er new pair of Heans should catch their attention. $rom a large window in the living room! adults watched *dam. (e had his hand on his little brother6s shoulder as the, strolled along. &f onl, the, could have seen the spar8le in Colin6s e,es. The ,ounger bo, tilted his head upwards proud of a brother li8e *dam.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

%ater that same night@ ;(e, man. These eagle feathers all ,ours< %))E&T the si?e of them! W&%%C*<= *dam6s classmates! Tim and -,an were fascinated. * variet, of eagle photographs were in multi-colored frames. *nd plastic models and eagle footprint trac8s were in moulds. The, all hung or sat in various places in *dam6s room. (is small librar, also had a variet, of boo8s on eagles. (e proudl, showed his friends each part of his collection. There were badges and stamps from other countries as well as cloth patches depicting eagles. (e even had a picture of /resident +ill Clinton! with the presidential seal of an eagle behind him. The bo,s made plans to go hi8ing on 9aturda, in search of more eagle sightings. *dam was pleased to see his friends so interested in his hobb,. -,an and Tim were to as8 each of their parents to consider driving them. ;>a,be the, could ta8e turns. 9omeone to bring us and someone to come get us!= suggested Tim. ;3ah! no adults. %et6s Hust go for a wal8. Fer, far *dam<= -,an as8ed. ;We could ta8e our bi8es up to :,8e %a8e!= *dam suggested. ;&t6s onl, about half a 8ilometer. )ur neighbor! >r. Williams owns a cottage there. >a,be have a swim after chec8ing on the eagles.= ;9ounds o8a,.= the bo,s answered.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

/lans were made! a food list drawn up and e5cited voices tal8ed about future trips together. ;:on6t forget the bathing suits7= someone shouted. Their planned trip created a stronger lin8 between friends. *dam was sure things were going to be a lot better in school.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

C(*/TE- TE3

9aturda, morning began with a warm bree?e. Each bo, wore Heans and a t-shirt. +are arms! and faces were generousl, lathered with bug repellent. 9ome of it stung the corner of *dam6s mouth. 'randpa %arr, warned him about putting on too much. 9un bloc8 ointment and the air of e5citement traveled with them in each car. Ever,one6s dad was here. 'randpa too. (aving the adults along was a change in plans. The men wanted to ta8e the bo,s to another spot. This would add to *dam6s list of Eagle sighting locations. +esides! there was alwa,s a ne5t time for the bo,s to go alone. 9tories about the eagles at 9heffield >ills were on ever,one6s lips. *n,wa, ,ou put it more of *dam6s friends were catching on to the thrill of eagle watching. *dam 8new too man, had ta8en the bald eagles for granted. *dam sat in the first car and loo8ed forward to their new destination. The ladies decided to go shopping at +a,er6s %a8e -oad mall! near (alifa5. The, were in the third car. The first two cars soon turned right off (ighwa, L12M! heading north on $ort Ellis -oad. +ut not before the, stopped at a variet, store for munchies. /op! chips and chocolate bars were 4uic8l, passed across the counter.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

+efore long! smooth driving on asphalt turned onto a bump,! graveled road. Cho8ing dust flew behind the first car! almost hiding the second. &solated houses were more li8e ,ear round cottages. The, loo8ed li8e sailboats drifting through a mist, morning. +, now! the radio was humming! 8eeping pace with the car tires. Up ahead, a pair of eagles flew low over treetops. They might have been on a little flying hike of their own instead hunting for their daily !uest of food. Massive wings moved eagerly as the pair longed for a taste of wild rabbit meat. " bree#e filtered through layered feathers. They were more like arrows cutting through wispy clouds. $oth eagles were silent as shadows sweeping up, down, then sideways in flight. They were heading for a favorite location. *fter driving into a small par8ing lot! the bo,s noticed an observation shelter alongside the 9tewiac8e -iver. &t had a large built-in picnic table able to accommodate ever,one. /ac8s were ta8en from car trun8s. *nd water bottles as well as food parcels placed in cool shadows. The eagle watchers wanted to hide their lunch and snac8s from penetrating ra,s of warm sunlight. Treats were passed around! with ever,one ta8ing a comfortable position. Each was paired off in order to share one set of binoculars. There were three bo,s! three fathers and two grandfathers. *nd four NJO2 ;'lasses= as some people called them. Each watched eagerl,! wanting to be first to see eagles in action. Eight sets of e,es peered through newl, cleaned lenses. >agnifications moved rapidl, from Gclose6 to Gdistance6 and bac8 again.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

Farious ma8es and models of binoculars aimed at the hori?on. The, swung from side to side! up and down the river. Even focusing above the treetops on the opposite shore! hoping to catch sight of a pri?e. *dam searched the woods for an eagle nest similar to the one on /aul6s propert,. The e5citement of the moment tempted to begin chewing his nails. 9uddenl,! there the, were. -,an and his dad were first to spot the pair! cruising Hust below the far tree line. %aunched b, a burst of wind! two dots of blac8 came swiftl, towards them! unaware of the watchers. Waiting people tried not to move unnecessaril,. The, began to follow ever, movement with e,es and binoculars. *n5ious men and bo,s were bathed in their own e5citement. The huge birds of pre, 8ept coming closer. *nd closer. *dam had the same burst of feelings he e5perienced at Eingsport +, the 9ea. (e felt lightheaded! unable to move! barel, breathing. (e hoped his hammering heart wouldn6t scare awa, these beautiful creatures. *lthough the eagles were able to pic8 out their visitors! the, appeared unconcerned. There was no sense of danger. The huge birds were onl, interested in see8ing a snac8. $ish movements in the 9tewiac8e -iver below now teased them. (owever! the male bald eagle noticed something familiar. * ,ellow bac8pac8. Ces! it was the ,oung one b, the river! who often watched his nest. *s far as the huge eagle was concerned! *dam was a friend.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

Is the man%child following me& The bird wondered.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

C(*/TE- E%EFE3

"dam would have traded in his eagle collection to see this eagle tree. The mature male bald eagle was perched on his favorite loo8out. &t was a 4uarter mile from its nest on /aul6s famil, propert,. $rom here! he could see a long distance. *nd protect his nest! if necessar,. )nce this tree was a tall maple with flowing branches. /rotection from flowing branches once provided shelter for ruffed grouse. Especiall, when pursued from prowling co,otes. Anfortunatel, new generations of partridge had to rel, on other hideouts. * bolt of lightning lit up the s8,! pointing its finger of destruction at the proud tree. &n one split second! a large section of its top was splintered. &n a few seasons! the wind tumbled the bro8en section noisil, to the ground. +ut the remainder of the maHestic tree continued to survive. &t rested alone and unused! no longer able to provide refuge to wildlife. Even s4uirrels were unable to race along its tall length. &t was now onl, a memor, of a beautiful tree that grew on the slope of a steep hill. The tear of seasons further ravaged the damaged tree. &ce and snow forced their wa, into the ripped bar8 and split trun8. )ver a long period of time! sunlight bore down and warmed the outside of the wood. *nd it6s bleached form stood out from the surrounding green forest.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

&t certainl, was not prett, to loo8 at. +ut! it stood strong as steel. &t had been honed into a stubborn part of the landscape. *nd awaited some useful purpose. *dam was Hust a tin, bab, when it was first discovered. )ne da, a rustling of massive wings hesitated as it hovered overhead. /iercing e,es chec8ed out the bone white landing ?one. &n that moment! a huge bald headed eagle decided to christen it with its presence. $or the eagle! it was a perfect perch. $rom here! his e,es could easil, scan the valle, below. (is nest was far to the left. Tumbling along the base of the hill a river twisted li8e a rope through the thic8 forest. 9pecial e,es could spot an, movement along the shore. (e could even notice fish movements lur8ing below the water, surface. When hunger came 8noc8ing! it was Hust a short distance to being satisfied. Each da, became a ritual! settling here! resting and watching. This was the place from which the bald eagle first spotted *dam and his ,ellow bac8pac8. (e 8new the man-child presented no danger to his nest.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

C(*/TE- TWE%FE

;3E*T)= *dam was e5cited another 9aturda, had finall, arrived. %ast night grandma and grandpa said the, wanted to go for a ride in the countr,. ;We have to do some shopping too!= mom said. *dam had a hard time pretending he didn6t 8now about their surprise. The bo, Humped out of bed and ran to the window. (e wanted to shout for all to hear. +ut he whispered more to himself. ;/aul and & are going to watch eagles toda,! all b, ourselves.= ;999(77= >elanie called from the hallwa,. ;:o ,ou want to spoil their surprise< & shouldn6t have told ,ou an,how.= 9ecretl,! she was glad she told. These da,s he seemed to be the famil, favorite! Hust because he won that award. &t was rather sill, to be Healous of the attention *dam received! him and those eagles. >a,be she shouldn6t be so upset at what her little brother had accomplished. *fter all! she alread, had her own roomful of awards. ;(e, 9is!= *dam said from around the corner. ;Come here! & want to show ,ou something. Buic8.= ;Wh, should &<= she as8ed! sarcasm in her voice. =)h! come on. /lease.= >elanie reall, didn6t li8e using that tone of voice. (ow could she sa, no! when it seemed m,sterious< ;*ll right! then!= she said with a shrug.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

9he wondered wh, he loo8ed so serious! chewing the end of his pencil. ;& made this for ,ou!= he said! pushing his chair bac8. >elanie moved closer! almost afraid it might be a trap. (e was probabl, read, to Hump up and sa,! ;'otcha.= ;What is it<= she dared to as8. (er brother seemed sincere enough. Then she noticed a drawing of an eagle swooping across the s8,. *s if reading her thoughts he answered! ;& made for ,ou. +ut & wasn6t sure if ,ou wanted to have the eagle sitting on a branch. )r ma,be Hust fl,ing around.= *dam loo8ed up at her solemnl,. >elanie was so astonished! she almost passed out. 9he couldn6t believe the 8indness of his gift. 9tartled! she shoo8 her head! hardl, believing he would do this! for her< "fter all the times she had been so mean& 9he swiped at a moisture beginning in one corner of her e,e. 9ometimes! tears represented sadness. +ut this was a tear of happiness. ;Wh,@it6s beautiful! *dam. & li8e it fl,ing around in the s8,! high up and free. Iust the wa, ,ou made it!= she added. Then she snatched up the drawing. *nd rushed from the room before she began to bawl in front of him. ;& figured ,ou6d pic8 the Gfl,ing6 idea!= *dam said. (e wondered where his sister was going in such a hurr,. 3ow! he6d better get read, for the da,. *nd pretend not to 8now an,thing about the surprise trip. *dam li8ed living in this huge house in the countr,! at least until theirs was built.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

(aving a great grandma and grandpa was nice too. Especiall, having a sister li8e >elanie. Colin was cool. *dam was feeling reall, happ, toda,. (e loo8ed up at the s8, and gave a large smile. (e tried to imitate Colin6s croo8ed face smile. +ut he couldn6t. (e Hust 8new something ver, important was going to ta8e place toda,. &t didn6t ta8e long for brea8fast to be over. 9oon! the car was moving along the highwa, towards +ass -iver. It was heading in the right direction "dam chuckled to himself. ;'uess where we6re going<= 'randma as8ed. ;>a,be to see the eagles again!= *dam said! tr,ing to act innocent. ;Ces. We aren6t but ,ou are! and ,our friend /aul. &t was to be a little surprise! but ,ou6re too smart for us.= ;Than8s. Than8s a lot!= *dam said. ;This time we6re going to leave ,ou b, ,ourself. >a,be about half an hour until /aul6s parents bring him. &t will be a chance to be alone with ,our eagles.= ;-emember!= mom said! ;,ou6ll onl, be alone for a short while. We6re coming bac8 soon. /aul6s parents might return for a visit later! after dropping him off. That is! unless the, plan to wor8 at their sugar bush camp.= +efore long! the, were waving goodb,e! as the, headed down the dust, road. *dam watched as ever,one waggled fingers from the van.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

9uddenl, *dam reali?ed! he was on his own. *nd now concealed under the foliage of a pleasant smelling spruce tree. (is ;glasses= pointed towards activit, high in the eagle6s nest. (ow nice it was to be trusted alone b, the river. &magine! no grownups around to nag him. 3o sister or brother to tease him! neither. +ut he did wish /aul would hurr,. *dam had been watching the nest for the past twent, minutes. &t loo8ed snug supported b, the elbows of large branches. $rom his hideout it was eas, to spot eagle chic8s moving around aw8wardl,. &t was funn, to see mother eagle use a wing to sweep the rascals bac8 into the nest. $ather eagle must be somewhere else. *dam wondered if he was scouting around for more food for his famil,. Their growing appetites must be hard to satisfy, he thought. *dam was getting hungr, too. (e wished he were up there waiting his turn to eat. Then he gagged! remembering eagles feasted on beetles! frogs and mice. 3o than8 ,ou! no rodents please. 'ood thing grandpa reminded *dam to ta8e his lunch from the car. +efore eating he tried out his fishing rod. *fter a few bites! he caught a neat rainbow trout. This was boss. )nce more the bo, placed his binoculars snugl, against both e,e soc8ets. ;(ol, cow!= he e5haled. *n eagle was heading right for him. 9ure enough! it was the male bald eagle.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

&t simpl, appeared out of nowhere. Maybe it has a secret spot he didnt know about. The huge bird circled his nest ma8ing sure ever,thing was all right. 9uddenl, it headed straight up! then down. *fter completing a few circles! the eagle returned. Then a rustling in the grass startled *dam. ;/aul7= he e5claimed.= ;999(. & had to be 4uiet!= /aul said. ;& didn6t want to frighten ,our eagle.= $eather, wings were spread full out. &t allowed the eagle6s maHestic form to dive towards the river. The swift moving creature had claws e5tended read, to scoop up dinner! and repeated this several times. +ac8 at the nest! eaglets gulped their share of dinner. The bo,s eagerl, watched this famil, activit, through their binoculars. *nd the bald eagle headed once again for the river.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

C(*/TE- T(&-TEE3

/erhaps a large rainbow trout darted too swiftl, behind a roc8. )r! reflections from the water, surface pla,ed tric8s on the rapidl, descending eagle. &n an, case! the missile-diving hunter was fooled (e plunged deepl, into the clear river water. >ista8es were not normal for this bird of pre,. &ts talons were full, stretched beneath strea8ing wings. %uc8il, for the intended target! the eagle missed its mar8. 9plashing and eagle screeching covered both shores. Then momentum carried it to the bottom of the river. *dam and /aul were 4uite worried as the eagle thrashed about. &t was furious at missing its intended target. The angr, creature plowed noisil, through the water to the opposite shore. The huge bird was drenched. *nd shoo8 itself in bursts of flapping wings. The eagle 8new how an5ious the female eagle would be. *nd the babies! hungr, and impatient! waiting for more lunch. *dam6s e,es enlarged as he gobbled up the scene before him. /aul simpl, stared! unable to move or spea8. &magine! an eagle plunging into the river. *nd right in front of them7 &t lurched around the shore! burdened b, the weight of wet feathers. 3ot reall, a comical moment! since it resembled a sogg, blan8et

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

>ore shrie8s traveled up and down the river. 9ha8ing its head! the eagle cleared water from ears and lungs. The eagle didn6t li8e being unable to ma8e a 4uic8 escape into the waiting s8,. Talons dug deepl, in the sand, shore. Wings flapped desperatel,. The eagle was an5ious to dr, off as 4uic8l, as possible. *dam felt sorr, for the father eagle! thin8ing he had let his eaglets down. '(oor eagle,) he thought. ;*o fishy snack today.= Then he had an idea. *dam dug in his fishing creel and pulled out the rainbow trout he caught before /aul arrived. This was a ;8eeper= he had planned to show off. &t would ma8e a nice meal on his 8itchen table. ;What do ,ou thin8! /aul<= he as8ed. 9hould & feed the eagle< (e loo8s unhapp,.= ;Ces!= /aul agreed. ;'ive it to the eagle.= Cautious steps led *dam to the shoreline. When the eagle saw the bo, approach from the other side! he furiousl, tried to flap awa,. (owever! &ts wings still weren6t wor8ing properl,. (is mish-mash of feathers was not dr, enough to elevate him. 9eeing the huge bird flapping around helplessl, was a sad moment. The best it could do was hop a little! then leap upwards in short bursts! before dropping. *dam had a health, respect for those talons. *nd that sharp bea8. $rom time spent in the librar, he read the, could be 4uite dangerous. (e was surel, glad to be on this side of the river.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

/erhaps this is what inspired the bo, for his act of braver,. The magnificent bald eagle was far enough awa,! not placing him in danger. 9o *dam approached the river6s edge! onl, thirt, feet separating bo, and eagle. The, stared at each other. The bo, could sense each pulse of energ, radiating from the other side. %eaning its head to one side! the bald eagle somehow 8new the bo, meant no harm. (e was Hust a little gu,. *nd carried something ,ellow on his bac8. *dam was careful not to get too close to the current. &t flowed swiftl, between large boulders on either side. (e hoped the eagle thought of him as a friend. The wild bird 8ept flapping its wings slowl,! li8e some huge fan. Constant movement assisted the warm sun in rapidl, dr,ing out his feathers. With a might, swing! *dam sent his trout sailing over the river. &t landed a few feet in front of the eagle. *t first the bird Humped up in alarm. Then noticed the bo, was not coming an, closer. There was no danger from this man-child. &ts wings 8ept flapping slowl,! intricate feathers Hust about dr,. 9uddenl,! one might, swipe grabbed the nice si?ed trout. /owerful talons held tightl, as the bird lifted gracefull, and headed towards the famil, nest. The sun warmed the ground sufficientl, to produce a thermal. 3ow the bo,s followed the eagle6s ascent! their throats in a 8not.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

*dam6s chest pounded against his ribcage. ;This is awesome7 Wait till & tell grandpa!= he said. ;Cah! man7= /aul shouted! giving his chum a high five. *dam was thrilled to have the opportunit, to enHo, this propert, owned b, the $ishers. ;Than8s /aul!= he said! ;for bringing me here.= ;&t6s o8a,!= /aul answered! overcome b, the sights he Hust witnessed. The bo,s cleaned the area from cand, wrappers! and several pop cans. This was a special place and should remain in a natural state. *fter one last loo8 at the eagle6s nest! the, headed bac8 down the trail. &t was nice 8nowing the father eagle had a meal for his famil,. *dam6s watch indicated his parents should be at the road b, now. ;/aul! &6m reall, glad ,ou were here to see ever,thing!= he said. (e whistled a happ, tune. * bright ,ellow bac8pac8 Higgled on his shoulders.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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The ne5t da, during brea8fast! *dam6s mom brought up something reall, interesting. 9he overheard someone tal8ing about a friend who tried to capture an eagle. 9uddenl, the bo,6s interest was on full alert. ;-emember the eagle ,ou saw land in the water! *dam< his mom as8ed. ;(ow could & ever forget<= *dam answered between mouthfuls of cereal. ;This fellow was foolishl, brave li8e ,ou. E5cept! he tried to throw a blan8et over it. Eind of dangerous! &6d sa,. 3ow! wh, would an,one want to get near one of those things<= *dam came to the defense of his eagle friends. ;The,6d never hurt me mom!= he boasted. That evening while loo8ing over his collection of eagle artifacts! he remembered his words. The, wouldn6t now! would the,<

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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)ne careless moment was all it too8 on such a nice 9aturda, morning. 3ot long ago *dam had been on dr, land as he sighted through grandpa6s Gglasses.6 The, were an e5cellent 4ualit,! especiall, with their wide-angle lenses. &t didn6t matter now as water pressed in around him. &t might have been fun if he had his bathing suit on! or to be wading in the shallow part of the river. +etter still! if ever,one had simpl, come for a picnic! to get cooled off. *t least it would be their choice. E5cept this wasn6t funn,! not at all. &f onl, /aul could have come right awa, instead of later with his parents. (e was such a good swimmer and with him here! *dam might not be in this pic8le. >om and dad said the bo,s had been ver, responsible last wee8. 9o this wee8 was a repeat. &t didn6t seem li8e such a big deal to be left alone! until /aul got here. +ut /aul didn6t show up for the last couple of hours. &n the meantime *dam fished and roamed around. (e was now pa,ing the price for getting too close to the edge. 'randpa said to be careful around the river. +ut *dam was careless and stood too close as he watched the nest. When the ban8 gave awa,! grandpa6s warning was remembered. The slide down the roc8, slope into the fast flowing river reall, hurt. (is arm ended up smac8ing against a roc8.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

*dam even lost one running shoe tr,ing to scramble up the mudd, slope. Then the current gathered him up li8e a cor8 and began to float the bo, downstream. (e tried to fight the flow of water but it tired him out. Than8full, the current wasn6t roaring along li8e a speeding racecar. (owever it was full of swirls. *nd *dam spent too much energ, tr,ing to avoid going around in circles. 'ood thing dad taught him how to swim. +ut this current was ver, strong. Each time he almost made it to shore! the curving water too8 him in another direction. ;(elllpp7 (elllpp7= he managed to sa,! each time! water splashed against his mouth. +eep it closed. +eep your cool. $reathe through your nose. The series of commands bounced around his thoughts. ;)uch7 That hurt.= (is shoeless right foot 8ept banging against roc8s hiding below the water, current. (e saw where he once stood. )nl, a short distance awa,! it was safe and sound. *nd dr,. *s he tossed and turned! the safe shore seemed li8e a memor,. *dam6s water-filled e,es could barel, see the surrounding forest of green. ;:aaad7 'randpaaa7 /aaaul7 Where *aare ,ou<= roared from his mouth at each opportunit,. Words repeated as an echo from the hillside. &n the past it was fun to shout words and listen for their return. 3ot much fun now bobbing as a cor8 in the river. * gust, wind carried the sounds of the bo,6s struggle to the male bald eagle. (e paused in high flight! before swooping to his special bleached tree. The huge eagle leaned forward on his perch.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

Ears tuned in to the commotion not far awa,. &t did not have the same melod, of his eaglets or mate. The sound was human7 The predator sensed fear and terror. &t was the same as when one of his babies cried out. (e shuffled to the edge of the branch then plunged into the air. * thermal captured his wide-spaced wings and the bird soared upwards. Circling in a might, loop the bald-headed eagle headed for the river.

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Two hurr,ing adults burst through the foliage. *dam6s father was ,ounger and faster. (is new snea8ers almost flew across the moss, trail. >oisture warmed 4uic8l, as sweat, feet splashed through mudd, puddles. 'randpa was not far behind. The, had heard *dam6s cries as the, were par8ing the car. *t first the, thought he was calling someone. /erhaps a school chum was visiting from a nearb, farm. The, 8new it wasn6t /aul. (e and his parents had Hust returned from their sugar bush camp. When ever,thing was e5plained! panic set in. The, had left a ten-,ear old bo,! for a few hours. &t was a wa, of showing trust for someone as mature as *dam. $ut being left alone by the river was a horrible thought bouncing around in their minds. The enormit, of what might have happened suddenl, hit them. The, ran faster. The last time the, saw their precious son and grandson was several hours ago. The, had watched him heading down the trail! eager to search for eagles. 'randpa even loaned his e5pensive binoculars. 9o! what was wrong with leaving him alone< &t was safe enough there. Their man, trips had proved that. 9urel, *dam hadn6t planned on going swimming< Chec8ing the shoreline suddenl, made them reali?e how high the river was. ;>ust be runoff from last night6s downpour!= *dam6s dad said. The water was churning.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

+oth adults 4uestioned wh, the, had allowed *dam to be on his own. ;Cou have to trust me!= the bo, had stated. Ces! he was old enough to be allowed responsibilit,. ;/aul is going to be dropped off b, his parents in about fifteen or twent, minutes!= grandpa had said. ;The same as last wee8.= *nd so the bo, had set off along the trail! which was no more than O22 feet to the river. The adults proudl, saw he was unafraid of being alone in the woods. 3othing could happen. )r! so the, thought. &n fact! the, had snea8ed down to chec8 ever,thing was fine. *t that time! *dam had been singing to himself while l,ing on his tumm,. (is binoculars were pointing s8,ward. 9car, sounds now forced their wa, through the trees. ;(elp7 (elp->EEE77 was coming from someone in trouble. 3ow the, 8new for sure it was *dam. *nd he definitel, was in trouble. Their thoughts were confirmed as the, rushed to the shoreline. Where was he< ;*dam7 *dam7= the, shouted. 3othing. The, onl, saw the Gchurl6 of water chasing foam, suds heading down the river. 3ot far awa,! a bobbing head was bus, thin8ing. *dam 8ic8ed off his other snea8er! lightening the drag from the river on his left leg. (is soa8ed denim Heans were getting heavier. The, made it difficult to 8ic8 free of the current. *s his feet struc8 bottom! he pushed up. Whenever his head bro8e surface! he e5pelled stale breath and gathered in fresh air. Then he plunged bac8 down from the force of the current.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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*dam didn6t 8now the eagle was 4uite agitated. *nd fl,ing slowl, up and down the river tr,ing to understand what was happening. The male eagle gave a warning shrie8! signaling mother eagle to 8eep a sharp e,e on her chic8s. Then he spotted something that did not belong in the river. The head was furr,! the s8in fair. *nd ever, once in awhile a cr, came forth. 3ot animal! but human. &t was a sad sound that unsettled the peacefulness of his domain. *t first the eagle was confused. Then familiarit, reached his brain. The man-child. &t was the small one who had fed him. (e saw the bo,6s form being pulled downstream with the current. )n his bac8 was a noticeable ,ellow bulge. The eagle didn6t reali?e it was a small bac8pac8! not folded up wings. The full impact of the scene now understood. *nd the eagle shuddered to a hovering position. (is telescopic e,es ?oomed in on the struggling figure. The eagle6s fatherl, instincts revved up. The eagle didn6t falter as he streamed towards the small bo, in the water. (is claws were full, outstretched as he headed for *dam6s pac8sac8. The bo, sensed something behind him. Then he turned and caught a glimpse of the eagle as he swooped low over the water. *nd it was coming straight at him.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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*t about the same time! both adults came through the trees and stood on the shore. The, tried to scream! but nothing came out. %i8e two fro?en icicles the, watched in fascination. This predator of the wild was heading towards their bo,. *dam was tired of doing his Hac8-in-the-bo5 tric8. *nd continued holding his breathing as he sun8 to the bottom. Then he 8ic8ed upwards! brea8ing surface! gathering in fresh air. Each time! he was able to bob onl, a few moments. 9uddenl, a wingspan of feathers blotted out the sun. &t was the male bald eagle7 *dam 8new there was going to be a crash. (e crossed his arms! clenched his teeth and closed his e,es tightl,. 9harp talons pierced his bac8pac8. The force of the impact lifted the bo, forward! half dragging him across the surface of water. 9toc8ing feet s8ittered li8e s8ateboards across the surface. &t seemed impossible to believe! but it was happening. *dam 8new the eagle was carr,ing him to safet,. (e raised both hands! reached up and grasped the eagle around his powerful! down, legs. 9uddenl, *dam was falling to the ground! as the eagle released his talons. (is dad and grandpa came out of their trance. What the, saw was hardl, believable. * stor, the, would repeat often to their friends and neighbors. Then both Humped into the river and splashed towards *dam. (is stomach had bumped to a halt on top of the soft grass. &n a few moments *dam retched several times.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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+ut! being bac8 on land was wonderful. *s he curled up on the shore he saw something even more e5citing! dad and grandpa scrambling out of the river. *s the, grabbed and hugged him! *dam began to cr,. &t sounded li8e both adults were doing the same.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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(igh above a dar8 spec8 screeched. Then the eagle lowered his wings and dropped swiftl,! li8e a stone. (e completed a few circles above the huddle of two men and a bo,. (e was also pleased to see his own nest in order. >other eagle and chic8s were bus, nurturing each other! not bothered b, the commotion below. The bald eagle swooped once! then twice over the scene b, the river6s ban8. Three people loo8ed up in awe. Their e,es were than8ful with each passing swoop of feathers. ;>om7 'randma7= *dam shouted! spotting them on the opposite shore. * chorus of eagle cries Hoined those from the humans below. *nd the bald eagle finall, settled in with his waiting famil,. *dam hugged his grandpa and dad. This was a super duper! decadent chocolate s4uee?e. ;& lost the binoculars!= he said sadl,. 3either of the men minded right now. *dam was able to stop shivering and rela5. (is heart had stopped pounding rapidl,. (is soa8ed shirt and pants had been 4uic8l, removed. 'randpa and dad loo8ed funn, without their shirts. The bo, had one across his shoulders. The other wrapped around his legs. &t didn6t bother him when dad carried him across a shallow spot in the river. *dam also didn6t mind 8isses on the chee8 from the ladies.

-ichard . Esther /rovencher K $light of the Eagle

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The bo, loo8ed around. *t the hill! then the river. $inall, his e,es rested on the eagle6s nest. (is e,es were wet. (e wasn6t sure if it was tears! or river water. *dam 8new one thing for certain. The eagles were trul, his friends. *nd he would visit here often. PPP 0 -ichard . Esther /rovencher 1211 *ll -ights -eserved 3ote: -ichard and Esther went to 9heffield >ills! to see the Eagle6s Watch wee8end. &t was so awesomeQ -ichard began ta8ing notes. * ,oung girl of ten as8ed wh, he was writing and when told about a boo8 was to be she said! ;'ood. There are no stories about eagles in our librar,.= RThis boo8 ,oung lad, was written for ,ouS.