See what a female bald eagle would write to her eagle girlfriend, if she could hold a pen in her talons.
Dear Goldie,
I know it has been a while since I have written, but there’s just been so much going on! First of all, I’ve found a mate! His name is Baldur, but I call him Baldy for short, even though he’s not bald. He’s got the same white head of feathers that I do. I’ve never really understood why we’re called bald eagles to begin with. Didn’t you tell me it was an old English word for white or something?
Anyway, back to important things, like Baldy’s looks. He’s smaller than me, of course, but isn’t that the truth for all of us eagles. We girls are always the bigger ones. But Baldy’s awfully cute, with those fierce yellow eagle eyes of his. And his ferocious hooked beak— there’s something so sweet about the way he tears his meat apart. He doesn’t use his beak to catch prey, though; like me, he uses his feet and talons.
It was quite a courtship. We dove and chased each other in the sky, and even locked our talons together and spun around and around, cartwheeling down almost to the ground, until we board again. Wheeee! It was a lot of dun! I don’t want to get too serious, but it’s a little funny to think that now we’ll be together for life.
Now, of course, we’re super busy with the nest. It’s pretty big and if we keep using it, it will get bigger and bigger. I’ve seen some nests that are over 10 feet wide! It’s in a tall tree, of course, and near the water. We weaved branches and twigs together and lined everything with soft mosses and grasses. I don’t want to brag, but it’s an awfully nice nest and the view is spectacular!
And here’s the best news of all! I’ve laid two eggs! That’s why I finally have time to write. I’m sitting on the eggs right now to keep them warm and dry. Baldy’s been great about the whole thing, bringing me find and everything. Rabbits, ducks, you name is. And lots of fish, too, naturally. We bald eagles aren’t called fish eagles for nothing— fish are a huge part of our diet!
Sometimes Baldy takes a turn sitting on the eggs so I can get a break. It’s been about 35 days now, and I’m hearing some peeing. I think the chicken may be ready to hatch. I definitely won’t have time ti write then, rushing around and watching and feeding the hungry chicks. Now that’s a real full—time job!
Anyway, write when you have a chance and tell me what’s new with you!
Love,
The new Mrs. Baldy!
