Reaching Toward The Water
Heavy wings churned dark ripples against the stone embankment as the bald eagle pulled its chest through the surface. Its white head stayed raised above the waterline while soaked feathers dragged beneath the weight of the lake.
A man in cargo shorts crouched on the upper boulders, extending his bare right arm downward. His sneakers shifted against the uneven rock face as he balanced over the drop.
The bird lunged forward with several choppy strokes. Each sweep pushed spray backward, driving its body closer to the shore.
Lifting From The Shallows
The man leaned further forward, lowering his fingers just above the bird’s wet back. The eagle did not thrash away, keeping its beak pointed straight at the stone shelf.
He slid both hands down under the wet primary feathers, wrapping his grip around the bird’s sides. His knuckles sank into saturated plumage as he secured the folded wings against its torso.
Muscles tightened across his shoulders as he hoisted the bird straight up from the lake. Clear water poured from the eagle’s tail and talons in heavy ribbons.
He braced his footing on the lower boulder and pivoted his hips toward the grass. The eagle hung calm in his grip, its bright yellow talons dangling loosely beneath its wet belly.
Setting Foot On Solid Ground
Stepping up past the rock line, the man walked three strides toward the paved park trail. He bent his knees slowly to bring the bird close to the asphalt.
He released his grip as the yellow talons touched the ground. The eagle planted both feet wide, its body pitching forward slightly to regain balance on the dry surface.
The bird shook its head, tossing water drops across the pathway. It spread its wings outward a few inches, allowing air between the soaked layers of feathers.
The man took two steps backward onto the grass, lowering his hands to his thighs. He remained motionless while the raptor turned its head from left to right, scanning the open sky above the lake.
Taking To The Air
The eagle crouched low, bending its talons against the pavement edge. Its wings snapped open to their full width, casting a wide shadow over the stones.
With a single downward thrust against the ground, the bird launched itself horizontally toward the water. Its heavy wingbeats stirred the air near the shoreline as it dropped low over the surface.
The eagle gained momentum just feet above the ripples, pumping its wings rhythmically as it headed out toward the far tree line across the open water.
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