Two weekends ago I visited Smith Mountain Lake State Park to look for signs of spring and wildlife, and I found quite a few. During my final hike Sunday I got an unexpected surprise. 

All animals imbue and hold characteristics, whether deserved or not. For example, wise old owls, the cunning fox, annoying mosquitoes, sneaky snakes, the patient heron, or the majestic bald eagle. Some of these qualities are fitting; other attributes just stick for some reason.

But there is something undeniable about seeing a bald eagle and being in its presence.

Bald eagles reach adulthood in 4-5 years, donning white heads and tails

An adult bald eagle swoops up to his mate 

It’s no wonder so many stories and legends of yesteryear involve these giant birds of prey. Eagles have such a fierce and stoic energy that observing one can be a humbling and powerful experience.

I knew a rehabilitated juvenile bald eagle had been released not long ago here at Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

While hiking near the water I had a special encounter. Oftentimes when I see a giant, 6-foot plus wingspan, I assume it is a turkey vulture, because 99% of the time it is that important scavenger in our food web.

Turkey vultures are efficient flyers and go long periods without needing to flap their wings

Vultures are much more common in the mountains and Piedmont I call home, while eagles populate the coast and estuary more heavily in Virginia. So when I caught sight of a white head and tail, there was a quick moment of disbelief - I was really caught off guard. "That's an eagle!" I couldn't help but voice, as if saying it helped me accept it's realness as it circled 100 feet overhead.

As it spiraled back my way riding the thermals (or wind currents) in wide circles gaining altitude, I couldn't help but let out a grin, gawking and pulling out my camera.

I had a greater than 50% chance of seeing bald eagles whenever I paddled on the water while working at York River State Park, but it had been years since I saw an eagle. The only bird I saw while working there that would fly around in the roughest of winds - for at least some part, just because it could. Eagles are one of the strongest of flyers, making it look easy riding the roller coaster of a gusty sky. Watching their interplay with the ospreys was a favorite activity of mine at that time.

A bald eagle flying over Taskinas Creek at York River State Park

Seeing an eagle, especially semi-close with your naked eyes, makes any wildlife or nature enthusiast's day.

Bald eagles enjoy the plentiful fish (and occasional carrion and bird) resources of Smith Mountain Lake

So when I noticed a second one I gasped. Seeing a pair of eagles with binoculars is downright amazing! One of those nature encounters that can be so special, time slows down momentarily, nothing exists outside that moment, and all the little details shine as adrenaline and awe kick in - a minute can feel like five.

The male soared while the larger female perched on a tree. The straight, 6-foot wingspan spiraled up and up, growing smaller and smaller. He eventually started descending ever so slowly, circling over and joining his mate. I love seeing woodpeckers pull up and fan their tail feathers out like airbrakes for a landing, so witnessing a giant do it was exceptional. 

Adult bald eagle landing next to his mate

I was consumed in wonderment, awe-inspired, even feeling more alive. These are the moments naturalists live for.

Adult bald eagles typically mate for life

Only side by side was I able to discern the size difference and the larger female. They soon flew off, slow powerful wing beats as they glided off into the distance. Somewhere a massive nest must lay in some giant tree, a relic of long ago in our relatively young forests. Eagles have an eye for that sort of thing. Hopefully they'd be incubating a clutch of eggs very soon.

Bald eagles taking off from their perch

A bird powerful enough to make everything in my world stop for a moment. Powerful enough to inspire a national emblem. A symbol of the wild, a strong and resilient creature who overcame environmental pollution and taught us about interconnectedness. May they long live on and touch our hearts.

I cherish that memory of the pair of bald eagles. My visceral reminder why protected and conserved resources like our Virginia State Parks are invaluable to the plethora of species that call our Commonwealth home as well as to our communities, culture, and history. A place where memories are made and wildness lingers and thrives.