Eagles

I am sorry to learn that Nest Camera #1 is offline at Berry College (temporarily–I hope) ; they are having some technical problems. Apparently Nest Cam#2 is still in service. In 2012, a pair of Bald Eagles set up housekeeping—in a manner of speaking—-atop a tall pine tree on the campus of Berry College, Rome, GA. These Bald Eagles have kept up housekeeping there ever since. It did not take long for college officials to set up the “Nest Cam” and follow the Eagle family. This year, GA Power Co donated the use of a truck and staffed it to set Nest Cam #2, providing additional viewing opportunities. The link below offers a plethora of information on the Eagle Nest Cam.

https://www.berry.edu/eaglecam/nestcam

Since 1978, the Bald Eagle has been listed under  the Endangered Species Act. After nearly 50 years being proceted, the come-back of Eagles is welcomed news. Bald Eagles are in so many ways—environmental necessities, not to mention their icon status as the US national symbol. Their mesmerizing splendor entices onlookers. The Bald Eagle is a noble raptor. As I considered the value of Eagles, I pondered the word raptor; raptors include eagles, hawks and yes, buzzards. I think I have made my peace with the fact that Bald Eagles are in that dyspeptic cadre of birds. But, as we say, you can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family.

In essence, we recognize the Bald Eagle is a raptor; The word “raptor” means “to seize or grasp” in Latin. Raptors use their powerful, sharp talons to capture their prey and to defend themselves. Several bird species are considered raptors. Eagles, hawks, kites, falcons, and owls are all considered birds of prey. According to Merriam-Webster; a carnivorous medium- to large-sized bird (such as a hawk, eagle, owl, or vulture) that has a hooked beak and large sharp talons and that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion.

There are more than three dozen references in the Bible related to Eagles–most of which speak of their strength, elegance, and admirable qualities. One of my favorite passages is the one related to family. It tells how the eagle sets its young on their path to adulthood, and helps them on their way. I notice that the Eagle avoids setting itself up to have “Boomerang Children.” They are launched, taught to fly, and there is no turning back. Jesus also mentioned that looking back is not worthy of the Kingdom of God. We live in the moment, making the future possible. Our hope lies in God’s compassion, which is new every morning.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024