Last week, my friend Julianna and I visited a small local reservoir. The reservoir was been stocked with fish last summer, and when the water level comes down in winter the fish become easy prey for Bald Eagles and Osprey. As we came around the bend in the trail, we could see two Bald Eagles in the distance, perched in a tree next to the water.

We also came upon a man who was photographing ducks.

Male and female Ring-necked ducks.

Male and female Hooded Mergansers.

We struck up a conversation. He said he was from England but in America, settling his aunt’s estate. He was out birding because he needed a break.

“Would you to see the eagles?” we asked.

“What eagles? I’ve never seen an eagle — I’d have to go to Scotland to see a Golden Eagle!” he said. “That’s a ten hour train trip away!”

“Do you want to see some Bald Eagles?”

The answer to which was — he was ecstatic. We pointed them out to him, big lumps sitting in the distant tree across the water. He brought his camera up and started shooting.

“We can do better than this,” we said. “Come with us.”

We made our way around the edge of the reservoir until we were standing directly beneath the eagles. The camera came up and the shutter began to click. His smile spread across his face.

It was very nice to make someone’s day. 🙂