Bucket List

I suppose everyone has a bucket list. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we have certain things we would like to accomplish before we kick the proverbial bucket.

I recently lost a friend that I spent many hours surviving long arduous duty days with. He was a hoot. One of a kind. As we stood at the funeral home during visitation we wiped tears from our eyes as we laughed out loud and recounted episode after episode of his antics. He always had a big grin and quick comment to tease you with. He is missed.


All this made me realize I needed to get back to MY bucket list. I always wanted to see the American Bald Eagle in the wild here in the Magnolia state. This year I managed to accomplish this.

 

The adult parents sit near the nest as they patiently guard the three fledglings.

 

Supper arrives via air cargo. The fledglings sit atop the, approximately 90 foot high nest. To give the nest size some perspective, simply realize that the adults wing span is nearly 8 feet. Sadly, shortly after these photos were taken, a severe storm downed the tree fatally injuring 2 of the offspring.

 

This is one of 2 fledglings at another location. What a magnificent symbol of freedom.

 

Natures beauty comes in all types of packages. This 5 foot gator is affectionately known to us as "Allie". Not very original, but we are not exactly close friends. This little reptile is less than 2 miles from my front door. I walk within 100 feet of it, it's 10 foot partner and a nest, every day.

 

Always on my list....is the back yard beauty. Margie sits atop a cable as she watches us watch her.
My bucket list isn't complete, but I am working on it. I only hope when I'm gone they laugh and remember me with half the affection of my friend.
One of his most common comments as he glanced at his wrist watch was "hmmm...gotta go, gotta make tracks". He certainly left some memorable tracks.