There are numerous things about Cape Breton that will never get old, the gorgeous views, the sounds of the rolling waves crashing on the beaches, the peace and solitude that come with the slower, relaxed pace of life. But the one thing that stands out in my mind is the majestic eagle. They are very plentiful and you don’t have to drive very far into Cape Breton before you will see your first breathtaking eagle. From the time I was very young growing up in Cape Breton until now, I still to this day get excited and giddy when I spot an eagle perched high atop an old, crooked, dead tree. It is as if they are sitting there, watching all the newcomers arrive in Cape Breton for the first time and guarding what is theirs, knowing that they have been there for a very long time. They seem to be as old as the dinosaurs when you see one up close. You can get very close to one, but they are ever watchful, eyeing you to protect what is theirs. If you are lucky to be standing near one when it takes off from its perch, the sound of its large wingspan sends shivers up your spine. The trees that these impressive birds choose to sit atop are also very interesting. They often choose the tree with the most character. I’ve always had a fascination with old, dead trees, from photographing them to drawing them, to being drawn to sit under them in wonder. They always seem to have a story to tell, as do the large eagles that sit atop them. As I drive along the water between the Canso Causeway and Baddeck there is always a tree I watch for to see if my eagle is sitting there, hence I call it “my eagle tree.” It has got to be the most interesting tree and it is so near the road that you could almost reach out and touch it. I have seen the eagle sitting on it a few times, but unfortunately never when I’ve had my camera with me. It is my goal to photograph him while he is perched on it.
'Perched in a Birch' : photo by Jess
The eagle shown here is one I photographed yesterday through the mist and fog, it is only a short distance from where “my eagle tree” is. He actually let me get out of the car, trudge through the still crunchy grass below the tree, always watching, to make sure I wasn’t a threat. This particular bird could have used a bath before his photo shoot, as he looked pretty dirty. His head and neck, which are usually very white, were brownish with mud. I can only imagine he was fishing in the mud before I captured him in the photo. As I said before though, there is no shortage of eagles in Cape Breton, and the chances of getting your own spectacular eagle sighting is fairly good.
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