We enjoy driving along the Mississippi levee at this time of year to watch these beautiful birds nesting and perching high up in the tree tops or soaring in the sky. From this vantage point, they can keep their eyes on the river in search of fish and other prey.
“If we never had the courage to take a leap of faith, we’d be cheating God out of a chance to mount us up with wings like eagles and watch us soar.” ~Jen Stephens
Occasionally, we like to take part of an afternoon and go sit down by the Mississippi River. We go mainly to watch the towboats pushing the barges …
… and to see the eagles which nest along the river.
It’s also interesting to observe the flora and fauna along the shoreline.
“Sometimes we’d have the whole river to ourselves for the longest time …” ~Mark Twain
It’s that time of the year when the eagles are taking turns sitting on the newly-laid eggs in their nest. This lucky pair has a perfect view overlooking life along the Mississippi River.
On flooded land near the levee we also spotted a Pied-billed Grebe, some American Coots, and a Great Blue Heron.
“I sat there and forgot and forgot, until what remained was the river that went by and I who watched …” ~Norman Mcclean
Taking advantage of the cooler fall temperatures and the delightful sunshine, we spent a peaceful afternoon on the lake at Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge. It was fun to hear the sounds of the crows and herons arguing, the screech of the eagles soaring overhead and the gentle sound of the wind blowing across the water.
“Be mindful of the peace and quiet. It is only when you keep silent that you allow the sounds of the forest to enter.” ~Unknown
Walking along the boardwalk at the Reelfoot Wildlife Refuge, we spotted a Bald eagle sitting near the top of a cypress tree a short distance away. It was keeping a close eye on a number of coots which were swimming among the vegetation out in the lake.
“Food may be essential as fuel for the body, but good food is fuel for the soul.” ~Malcolm Forbes
An eagle dutifully sitting in a nest along the Mississippi levee.
On a recent trip to the Reelfoot area, we were able to spot several eagles. The first one we saw was sitting on a log out in the lake. It was keeping an eye on a flock of ducks that was swimming nearby.
Then we drove to the Mississippi levee and saw an eagle sitting in a tree near a large nest.
Further on down the levee, we spotted two eagles sitting in the same tree. One was near the top of the tree and the other was more concealed, sitting on a lower branch.
No matter how many times you see them, it is always a joy to observe these beautiful birds.
“We live in a beautiful and wonderful world … and the more you know about it the wiser and the better you will be.” ~Louisa May Alcott
On one of our recent drives along the Mississippi levee, we came upon what appeared at first to be a tranquil scene. A colony of great egrets, intermixed with a few graceful geese and a great blue heron, was foraging in the shallow water of a flooded farm field. We sat and watched the peaceful scene for some time. Then we spotted it. Sitting on the far shore of the water was a bald eagle, obviously hoping to intimidate and pick off a weaker bird. After further observation, we spotted a younger eagle sitting high atop a nearby tree. It was intently keeping a watchful eye over the adult’s progress and encouraging it on. What had appeared to be a predator in search of small fish or frogs, also turned out to be the potential prey — a hopeful meal for some hungry eagles. Such is the drama of nature.
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.” ~Douglas Horton
While driving along the Mississippi levee, we spotted these two eagles sitting contently together in the trees.
“Contentment is a state of the heart, unaffected by outward circumstances.” ~Crystal Paine
The Snow Geese are back at Reelfoot Lake, and the Bald eagles are keeping an eye on them in hopes of acquiring an easy meal. Whenever a lookout detects a threat from an eagle, a call goes out to the rest of the flock, and the Snow Geese take flight.
“If you feel the urge, don’t be afraid to go on a wild goose chase. What do you think wild geese are for anyway?” ~Will Rogers
walking on a country road 