Back in the Roost

Every year a pair of eagles returns to Central Florida to the same small, rotted tree where they freshen a nest and raise a family. They take turns... more

by Dick Hudson

Title

Back in the Roost

Artist

Dick Hudson

Medium

Photograph

Description

Every year a pair of eagles returns to Central Florida to the same small, rotted tree where they freshen a nest and raise a family. They take turns tending the nest and hunting. Soon there will be eaglets, usually 3 or 4.

These magnificent creatures are about 50 yards from a busy road, and less than 25 feet above the grazing cattle and free range horses below them. It is a safe place for them. They return in early January.

It is a great privilege to be so close to these eagles and their eaglets. I recall living in Ohio and dreaming of aeries out west on the sides of mountains, but I never dreamed of being so close. Often there are quiet photographers on the side of the road, where the best view is. No one wants to disturb the peace of the place. The space is shared, with teenagers carrying their cell phone cameras, and old hands with huge 50 pound camouflaged 30 inch 600mm zoom lenses.

I am comfortable in the middle.

Uploaded

January 27th, 2015