My mom taught me from a young age to never use the word hate. It was sound advice. After all, when you really think of it, there is very little in this world to hate.
War, absolutely. Spiders, why of course. Sandwiches, it goes without saying.
But what about bald eagles? They’re not hate worthy, right?
Wrong.
Here’s the story of when I learned to hate bald eagles.
Last summer, while in Yellowstone, we had given up our campsite in the proximity of Sedge Bay as the calendar changed from June to July and, with it, the move of grizzlies to the high country.
We shifted our focus to the strangely non-existent otters of Trout Lake and camped closer to Lamar Valley.
But just because reason suggested grizzlies weren’t around to be seen in mid-July didn’t stop us from taking the occasional drive over Dunraven Pass and back down to Sedge Bay in time for sunrise. You know, just in case.
One such morning led us to finding a grizzly wandering 500 yards away from the road in the expansive Hayden Valley. Now, for those who have spent time in the park, you’ll know that Hayden is not exactly the most conducive valley for bear photography in July.
Seeing a bear? Easy. Photographing one? Never going to happen.
So while enjoying the sight, we moved on to Sedge. You know, just in case.
Yet as the sun peaked above the mountains and no bears were to be found, we prepared to call it a day and head back north.
Then Jill spotted a bald eagle. Next to the road. Perched nicely for a portrait.
Well, it wasn’t a bear, but as I so often pass on eagles for the allure of what’s around the bend, I thought I might as well stop and attempt a photo. At any rate, it wouldn’t take long, as I was sure the eagle would take off the moment before my camera was on my tripod.
Was I wrong.
The most cooperative eagle on Earth waited patiently for me to get my gear ready.
I took a photo.
Not bad.
And then I took another. And another.
Okay. Time to fly!
Nope.
But what else would I do with my morning? I might as well wait out the bird.
The sun started to rise. Time for another photo.
Nice glint in the eye. Okay, that was worth it. Time to fly.
Still not happening.
Cars stopped. People were annoying. Still the bird wouldn’t fly.
Ranger Eric stopped by to see what was the fuss was all about and waited for a half hour to watch it fly. Then quit.
Everyone quit.
Jill took a nap.
My legs fell asleep.
Still the stupid eagle wouldn’t fly.
Then it let out a scream. Ready for take off?
No. It’s face froze with its beak half open.
Looked around.
And then looked at me. Like a complete an idiot. And wouldn’t take that stupid look off its face.
For hours.
In fact, three hours passed, but I wasn’t going to quit. Not after this long of an investment of time.
And finally the eagle stretched its wings, signalling take-off. I was exhausted and annoyed, but I was ready for my patience to be rewarded.
Only it wouldn’t be.
The eagle took off; however, it took off by doing some strange about face in a split second, flying down, behind branches, and away from my camera. Not a single image was to be had.
It was around this time that our friend, Bernie Scates, drove up. He wondered where in the world we were.
We were here, Bernie. With this bloody eagle. Why?
Oh, you just missed a grizzly in Hayden – in Hayden! – cross the road, walk alongside a hill, silhouetted against the sky and down to the river’s edge for a drink – and a swim.
You’ve got to be kidding me.
In a vain, I woke Jill up and we drove frantically to Hayden in time to learn that the show was over.
Photographer Sandi Sisti tried to ease my pain, telling me the photos weren’t great. But Bernie’s images didn’t lie. The shoot wasn’t awful. It was pretty good in fact. And it was likely the last close up grizzly we would see for a year. And we missed it.
We missed it for a damn eagle. An eagle that just stared and stared and stared for hours and hours before taking off the wrong way.
So, would you agree now that hate is an appropriate word for my feelings toward eagles? I think it is. I’m sure my mom would agree.
PS
In no way would my mom agree.
– D. Simon Jackson | GhostBearPhotography.com
Facebook.com/GhostBearPhotography
Instagram.com/GhostBearPhotography
On a day I needed a good laugh you provided it for me. Thanks for the story and the eagle photos.
Great story and you definitely have patience. Wonderful photos and detail.