Eagles Had Better Things To Do

I woke up Saturday to an urge to see an eagle. I can sit and watch them for hours. Sometimes I think they get up in the morning in search for me. In so many instances eagles will just sit in a tree and not move for long lengths of time, and I think they are Terri-watching.

Bob, Chelsey and I traveled to Keokuk, Iowa to see if we could find our national bird. We went to Keokuk a few years ago and witnessed hundreds of bald eagles soaring, diving and hunting over the frozen Mississippi River. This trip however, was quite different. We saw two eagles in Keokuk. I'm sure there were more there that is just what we witnessed. The temperature was in the low 50s and the water was not frozen. The birds had all day to hunt. They didn't have to take advantage of thawed spots in the frozen waters.

On our adventures we always keep an eye out for an antique store or flea market. This trip, like so many others, didn't disappoint. About 8 miles south of Memphis, Mo., on Highway 15, we discovered Will~Grants Fine Antiques. It was six various sized buildings of antique treasures. We agreed to catch it again on a warmer day. Five of the buildings were not heated. We did meet their friendly new puppy that the owner said went by the name of Daisy. She offered such a warm welcome the chill was forgotten. As we turned off onto the lane that led us to Will~Grants, an adult eagle was soaring above. It cast a shadow over the road as if to lead the way. I was in hope that was a great sign for things to come in eagle-watching, but it wasn't. The moment was captured in my memory though. On our trip we found H & M Antiques in Kahoka, Mo. We found a roasting pan in prime condition that I have been looking for all year. I find them but not in clean condition. In Keokuk, Iowa, we enjoyed Heritage Antique Mall, Inc. We don't usually purchase much, but we sure enjoy surfing the aisles, or as Chelsey calls it "junk hunting."

Our travels ended in Quincy, Ill., where we spotted three eagles. One adult in flight and two young eagles near the lock and dam south of the city.

The sun started setting on our day.

Although we didn't see a large amount of eagles we couldn't complain the reason. The warmer weather tends to be against an eagle watcher...we have experienced anyway. We were together as a family. So how can you count that as a failed adventure? There are hopefully many more days to capture an eagle in flight.