Sometimes it pays to get off the highways and take the local back roads. On this particular morning, that strategy led me to a beautiful pair of Bald Eagles. I pulled over briefly and admired the bird in a nearby tree. I was close enough to appreciate the strength in the bird’s talons and beak.

A few minutes later, the eagle decided to join her mate across the road. I stood mesmerized as she took flight and flew towards me.

I continued to my destination and located the wild pair of Whooping Cranes. I’m very grateful that I took the road less traveled and saw the eagles, too!