As early spring approaches, it's always fun to venture out looking for bald eagle nests.

As early spring approaches, it's always fun to venture out looking for

bald eagle nests. Eagles mate for life and many use the same nest

annually to lay eggs and raise their eaglets until they have fledged. I

located a nest that was out in the open atop a large pine tree. The

nest is close to a large lake, so while one parent is tending to the

nest and youngsters, the other is hunting for food to bring back. 

Eagles take turns in parenting roles. While watching the nest, I

spotted one of the adults on standby in a tree near by. They spend time

on guard and take time to groom themselves which is also called

preening. I tend to keep my eye on the prize, hoping for a decent take

off or flight shot. As the eagle passes by, you get to see in full view,

the sharp eyes looking ahead, the even sharper yellow beak used to shred

food and those enormous talons that make them masters of plucking fish

right out of water. Then of course there's the perfect wingspan. How

can you not love seeing this in person? I'm in awe whenever I do.