Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

While it’s a myth that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as our national bird, he did think that the turkey was “a more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America.”

As for the bald eagle, he believed that the “Bald Eagle… is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.”

Bill Ringer

These eagles, a golden (r) and a juvenile bald (l), seem to prove Ben Franklin’s point that the “Bird is of bad moral Character”, as the juvenile looks for a free meal.

If you’re willing to check out the bald eagle’s character, 2019 is a banner year to do so. Gunbarrel resident and photographer Bill Ringer has captured the bald eagle in all his majestic glory and, as the picture shows, also proves Franklin’s point.

If you frequent the LoBo Trail behind Gunbarrel Estates, Ringer is often seen with his camera and his companion, Aero, a dachshund of discriminating taste. 

Ringer captured a golden eagle that had just made a kill and a juvenile bald eagle, which hoped to liberate the meal. Just out of camera range were two mature bald eagles also looking for some easy pickings.

Of course, Ringer has caught eagles looking like their regal selves.

If you have photos of wildlife, or of the more domestic type, send them to Editorial@lhvc.com.