Catch your attention, did I?
Since I’m not posting for Sunday Stills this weekend as we are busy with a family gathering for the Independence Day holiday, I’m sharing for Lisa’s Bird Weekly.
Amazingly, to satisfy the prompt for Lisa’s Bird Weekly (birds starting with letter H), the scientific moniker of the American Bald Eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
Terr’s actual image of Bald Eagle flying over Lake Couer D’Alene
I originally planned to only share my Anna’s Hummingbirds seen later in the post, but the story of a juvenile bald eagle is eager to be told.
Inspired By the “Journey” of an American Bald Eagle
When I moved to Nine Mile Falls, Washington (near Spokane), I expected to see a lot of Bald Eagles. I have seen a few in my own neighborhood and I’ve managed to capture some grainy photos of some. Jonesing for a way to find and photograph eagles with my own lens, I stumbled on a Facebook group, Spokane Birders, from which I am inspired daily by wonderful images of local birds and eagles.
A local woman, Diana G, who lives a short distance away, discovered a Bald Eagle’s nest visible from her backyard and has been taking incredible photographs of the adult pair and their newly hatched juvenile eagle, dubbed “Journey.” She shares her gorgeous photos of these eagles and other birds on Spokane Birders, but as her images of eagles grew in popularity due to a slew of newspaper articles and local newscasts, she created a Facebook group called Bluebell Court Eagles.
Diana has graciously given me permission to use some of her amazing photos to share more about the Bluebell Court Eagles and their “Journey!”
It starts with the Bluebell Court Eagles preparing their nest.
Bluebell Court Eagles contemplating their nest in February 
Feathering the nest
A Baby Eaglet is hatched in early April!
The “Journey” begins 
Journey grows 
Proud parents watching young Journey 
Journey then and now 
Journey then and now working the wings
Journey Matures!
Mom shares a tasty treat 
Almost grown
As Journey prepares to fledge, the heat is on right now in the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures are as much as 30 degrees higher than normal for late June. Many juvenile birds are fledging early and bird parents are extra vigilant (we hope)!
Videos and images of him flapping his wings and hopping to higher branches of the nest to beat the heat had us cheering him on as he strengthens his wings for his first flight. Until…
…he disappeared from the nest! “He likely fledged,” reported Diana G. This poignant image shows mom in the nest looking in vain for Journey, and panting from the heat.
On June 28, Journey indeed fledged too soon due to the extreme heat and safely fluttered to the ground. A nearby neighbor found Journey in her backyard and reported to someone who supplied her with the contact for Birds of Prey Northwest in St Maries, Idaho, near Coeur D’Alene.
A volunteer reported they rescued Journey and successfully rehydrated him and intend to care for him until he can fly back to the nest next week.
Journey’s journey continues…please stay tuned.
More About Birds of Prey Northwest
This 28-year old non-profit is dedicated to rescuing and releasing birds of prey here in the Northwest. The organization received many donations as a result of following Journey’s story on Facebook. An even more incredible story is the how the talents of its staff rescued and rehabilitated Beauty, a bald eagle that was shot in Alaska and left for dead. The gunshot wound destroyed her upper beak. Not to be deterred, the talented staff used science and technology to create a 3-D printed beak used as a prosthesis to save Beauty from a senseless fate.
Here is Beauty’s story…better get a tissue handy! Read here HOW SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND A 3D-PRINTED BEAK RESCUED A BALD EAGLE.
I’m not kidding when I learned this organization is thee place for rescuing birds of prey!
Why the American Bald Eagle Symbolizes Freedom
The U.S. Bald eagle, (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), is the only eagle solely native to North America, and the national bird of the United States.
The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent. The eagle represents freedom.
source
“The power and autonomy of the eagle in the air makes it a symbol of unrestrained freedom.”
Elizabeth Atwood Lawrence, a professor of veterinary medicine and anthropology at Tufts University
Freedom quotes are shared for Marsha’s Writers Quotes Wednesdays. I will be hosting WQW on July 7 while Marsha takes care of some business! Next week’s theme is Writers’ Choice or Culture.
Small But Also Mighty
Annas Hummingbirds are typically found in the Western US and migrate South in cold winter months. My hummer families lived in our former Sacramento home all year ’round.
These first two Annas Hummingbird pictures were taken at my Dad’s home in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.
“H” is also for HERO, recognizing citizens and volunteers who care for our creatures during extreme weather conditions, injury and beyond. And as we celebrate US Independence Day, please remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Thank you to those who are serving now.
Are you crazy about eagles? Visit Tofino Photography. His images of eagles are a sight to behold.
Remember, Sunday Stills takes a one week break on July 4th. Won’t you join me as I host Writers’ Quotes Wednesday on July 7th as I stand in for Marsha at Always Write? There I will share all the Sunday Stills links from The Great Outdoors! We’ll be back on July 11 with the Sunday Stills theme of “Under the Trees.”
Stay safe and cool!
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A very interesting post Terri and thank you for the shout out!
This recent heat wave has taken a unknown toll on many animals. The shooting of that Eagle in Alaska is criminal! I’ve heard of many carcasses being found with their talons cut off. There is a huge black market for their feathers and talons. They are used for ceremonial reasons.
These organizations that rescue these poor injured creatures should be held high in praise!
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Quite welcome, Wayne as I love Romeo and his friends in Tofino Bay. We had a cooler morning here, 60s rather than 70s at 6:00am, but still hot. Nature will quickly heal herself if we can just get out of her way a little! Stay cool!
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That heat wave is gone now for us as well thank God! Many hundreds died and who knows how many animals?
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Now I read there are wild fires near there. So sad 😞
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yes,Lytton a town of 1000 is lost. Two confirmed dead. If I can remember……… this mornings news said a young fellow saw his two parents electrocuted right in front of him! For some strange reason the hydro line going into their house pulled out and fell on top of them!
Strange times….
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Oh my goodness 😪
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What a fascinating post. There is something about the iconic bald eagle–the free-spirited flight, the daunting confidence, I felt it all over again. Do tell us how Journey does. What a scary story and I’m glad he seems to be doing well.
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I couldn’t believe how this all unfolded, as I was preparing the hummingbird post, Jacqui. The fun thing about writing for sure. Enjoy your Independence Day holiday and thank your children for their service to our country!
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Will do. Thank you, Terri.
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oh I love this post, and how perfect considering one of my prequels included a juvenile American Bald Eagle too 🙂
and as for your Hummingbird #TreeSquare, well that’s just plain gorgeous. Wonderful to have you part of Squares again.
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Thank you so much, Becky. Seeing Journey’s story play out in our new neighborhood has been an emotional rollercoaster. Too many baby birds fledged too soon! Still very hot here, but the mornings are cooler. Glad you liked the hummer–I miss the little guys! Now that you have linked to another challenge, please join me for #WQWWC this Wednesday or later in the week with a tree quote 🙂
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Yes must be so tough to see how the heat is affecting local wildlife, and thanks so much for the heads up about #WQWWC. I will do my best too 🙂 I think I have a wordless for next week, but maybe the week after. I will check what i have scheduled as would be lovely to link with you
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Interesting post and great pictures, Terri. I have had a hard time getting decent photos of bald eagles too when I’ve traveled to areas they are known to congregate. Oh well… I hope your local birders group will allow you to get the results you are looking for! I love your pic of the hummer sitting in the tree.
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Thanks, Janis. An emotional rollercoaster watching Journey! Eagles soar so high, it is hard to get a good pic!
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Wow, both for the eagle stories and images and also for your hummer images! I love the “All Mine!” image, showing all the details and colors that we don’t always see when they are flitting around.
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Thank you Dawn, I really miss my little hummers. They seemed to let me take endless pics of them 🙂
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Hi, Terri – I am incredibly grateful for organizations that rescue and release wildlife. We have a similar organization nearby that takes in all forms of wildlife but specializes in bears and ruptures. They too do amazing work!
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These folks are so dedicated to protecting wildlife. Hope you are staying cool, Donna. Wildfires are beginning to pop up in places, ugh!
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It’s great to see you out on a Friday! Wonderful post! Who knew the American Bald Eagle started with an ‘H? ‘ (Not me.) The pictures are fabulous and I was happy to hear a good ending for the early fledgling. And I love your hummingbirds! My Anna’s stay year around too, and come to feed in my backyard daily. 😊
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I was lucky to research the bald eagles Latin name and there it was–kismet! Some stories just need to be told, Susanne! Good for your Annas, I hope to attract some next year. I saw one, but with no grass or shade, even with a feeder, the birds think it’s no-man’s land. LOL!
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They seem to like the more mellow climate – well maybe not this week! – on the west side of the mountains.
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That makes sense, too many extremes here.
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Love your focus on the American Bald Eagle! They are such magnificent birds and amazing to see in the wild. Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day!
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Thank you, Beth! They are quite amazing and so big up close. Happy 4th to you!
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I love that you told the story of Journey in this blog! Quite genius to use the scientific name to get through the “H” bird. I absolutely love them and great shot in flight. Your friends photos are really great too! Now, your hummers and extraordinary. I’ve never been that close to a hummer and all my decent photos were captured in the Las Vegas area. We have a Ruby-throated hummingbird, but I have yet to get a photo of it. SAD! 🙂
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Thanks, Lisa! I’d been planning a simple hummer post but everything started happening with Journey. Plus Marsha’s WQW theme “freedom,”…it all worked out. I was very close to the hummers and had zoom on my Lumix. Glad you enjoyed it. 😁
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Perfect timing for this independence day! I’m glad you pushed yourself with the post. 🙂
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Amazing photos from Diana G., Terri. How awesome to see Journey’s journey and I’m glad he’s being cared for until he can fly away. We love our Pacific NW eagles. And our little hummingbirds, who are equally fierce! Have fun with family and have a lovely weekend.
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Thank you, Diana 🙂 Yes we do love our eagles and other birds of prey–so majestic! I miss my little hummers and I hope to attract some next year when we have shade and a few trees. I hope you enjoy a cool, relaxing weekend!
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Terri this is such a wonderful post! The story of the eagle is amazing. And the hummingbird photos are super. We have hummers who come to a feeder we on a tree, outside the kitchen window. I know you have to be super fast to catch them and take a photo. Yours are lovely.
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Thank you so much, Anne! It’s easier to photograph the hummers because they are close, compared to the eagles who are 200 feet up and flying fast…one of these days 🦅😁
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Great story about the eagles. I hope they come through the hot weather OK. It’s fun to know about a nest and follow the chick’s development. I hope you get that opportunity through the birders group there.
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It has really been amazing to view Journey’s progress. There have been numerous local newscasts highlighting the organizations with Journey front and center. I bet they are getting lots of donations and well deserved.
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Bald eagles are majestic. Thank you for sharing the story. Happy Independence Day! We are going to celebrate here in Sweden ❤
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The saga continues! Have a wonderful weekend, Maria!
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Thank you 💗
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I saw an eagle flying here today, so majestic. I’m smiling now as I see your post.
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Oh how joyous for you, Elizabeth!
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Thanks to Diana for sharing those great eagle pictures! The hummers are precious. Special little birds.
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Thank you, Siobhan! Have you heard of birds fledging too soon in your area lately?
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You’re welcome, Terri! No, I haven’t heard of birds leaving their nest too early, but my post next week features a baby robin who left early–twice.
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Fabulous bird photos Terri. The eagles are amazing 🙂 🙂
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Thank you, Brian! I will never get tired of hummers or eagles!
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Wow Terri! I followed a videographer on FaceBook last year that was documenting the growth of eagles. It was just amazing. Your photos are stunning, as usual.
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How cool, Tracey! Thank you, I can only take credit for the hummer pics.
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Terri, all your bird pictures are fabulous! Wow! The modified one really caught my eye at the beginning. Thank you so much for hosting WQWWC this Wednesday. It should be lots of fun. 🙂 I linked this great post to my announcement for tomorrow. 🙂
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Thank you, Marsha. I can’t claim the eagles as my own except the color planet one. Looking forward to hosting WQW! Hope you are enjoying your Independence day. We’re just working around the house. There was a wildfire 2 miles from us so we stayed home. All contained but scary.
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Very scary. We are having beautifully cool weather. Had a neighborhood 4th party. Lots of fun! Worked on Squares and LAPC. Got three or four done. I’m super sleepy now.
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[…] July 7th Writer’s Quotes Wednesdays will be hosted by Sunday Still’s hostess, Terri Webster Schrandt. Please visit her site on Wednesday. For more information see my #WQWWC […]
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[…] Terri […]
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[…] is in the capable hands of Terri Webster Schrandt today. It’s a little early yet, so while you’re waiting for West Coast time in the US, […]
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Thanks for this amazing telling of the Bald eagle, Terri. Those babies just hatched are so cute. ❤
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It is such a cool story and still ongoing, Debby. Thank you 😊
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❤
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[…] July 7th Writer’s Quotes Wednesdays will be hosted by Sunday Still’s hostess, Terri Webster Schrandt. Please visit her site on Wednesday. For more information see my #WQWWC […]
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[…] Terri- Second Wind Leisure Perspectives […]
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[…] may have read last Friday’s Bird weekly post where I shared our neighborhood eagle “Journey,” and my former home’s sweet […]
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Thank you for sharing the amazing story of Journey. I’m glad that she was rescued. And I’m even more glad that they were able to rescue to the one who was shot and left for dead! Prosthetic beak was an amazing rescue feat. I loved your hummingbird pictures too. Great shots!
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It is such a great local story, Shweta. I just read they plan to release Journey this Friday back to her nest where her parents are still waiting. Thank you for reading!
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Yes, it’s a great story. Thanks for sharing. Oh, that’s amazing. I hope that she will be reunited with her parents soon. It was a pleasure to read your post. 😊
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[…] Journey the juvenile Bald Eagle was rescued three weeks ago when he fledged too soon due to the extreme heat here in Eastern Washington. See my post here. […]
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