Majesty in the skies

Golden Eagle (300x274) stock image  © Wikispecies

I stopped on the side of the road, overlooking the wide draw, hoping to see Coyote or Mulies. I had the pleasure of watching a Golden Eagle instead.

S/he first caught my eye flying upwind (against strong winds) carrying what I assume to be a prairie dog. Amazingly the turbines behind me (shown in this picture) were turning 'cos it sure was blustery.

http://www.nrel.gov/wind/facilities.html

Anyway s/he found a secluded spot, and proceeded to devour the prey. The magpie that started to come around were no distraction. They looked minute in comparison to this strong/majestic beast. It took 30 minutes for her to be sated, and before she moved on.

I watched her cruise along the ridge-top, seemingly effortlessly despite the wind, before she took off towards Coal Creek Canyon.

What a thrilling encounter.

Location

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Bobbing along Today is windy at the mouth of the canyon, very windy. The snow on the ground... when: 10:00AM 12/11/2008 in: Coal Creek Canyon, CO more: Golden Eagle