Our answer to the Decorah eagles...

This week someone on the staff discovered that we have a hawk sitting on a nest close by one of our signature sights. We have always known that we had a pair of hawks who frequented the grounds. In fact, they had been known to "follow" certain people who, perhaps, appeared threatening. I don't know how any of those people could look threatening to a bird of prey used to riding the wind currents and swooping and sailing all over the gardens, hunting and diving for goodies in the back woods. In any case, several of us were very excited, and have been keeping a watchful eye on their home tucked away in an appropriately camouflaged spot.

Now, earlier this week, I really wanted to be able to get a picture of this wondrous event. I mean, after all, one can venture onto YouTube and follow the Decorah eagles' webcam, waiting for each instinctual movement of these enormous, but gentle giants. The truth is though that I am not equipped with the right camera/lenses/etc. to get the job done with the hawks. So, though Iwas initially disappointed, I decided that perhaps it was just as well. It's their home and family, after all. And we already know how I feel about privacy, right? I can be content with a daily pilgrimage to see what can be seen. Today, one was calmly sitting on the nest, no doubt happy that the air boats that only occasionally pass, as they did yesterday, are not around today, and will leave them at peace with the breeze, and the shivering sycamore leaves, and the sandbars and muddy banks.

What a beautiful Easter gift, these creatures waiting patiently for new life to come into the world!