American Bald Eagle

One of 3 we saw while out cruising around on the lake! 
My sister woke me up early, and asked if I'd like to have breakfast with she and her husband out on the pontoon boat, so of course I got right up! She'd made bacon, eggs & toast, with coffee and juice, so we carried everything down to the boat, sat down, and off we went. What a beautiful morning it was, as we slowly made a circuit of the lake while we ate. At the far eastern side of the lake was a dilapidated pier with a duck and it's 2 (rather large) ducklings, as well as all kinds of lily pads and lilies.(extras) When we came up along the far side of the lake, I spotted 2 herons flying around, one of which flew to the very top of one of the tall old pine trees. A little further along, I saw the first of the bald eagles, then noticed a young one on a branch just to the left of the adult--you can tell it's young as it's head and tail feathers aren't white yet--& I've put that one in the extras as well. We'd gone all the way around the lake and crossed back to the side their cottage is on when I spotted this beautiful eagle sitting on the top of the tree--they're such gorgeous, majestic birds!! And to think that Ben Franklin wanted the Turkey to be our countrys' bird rather than the Eagle! 
Later in the day we drove to "Whataview" Farm--it's owned by a couple who are obviously gifted, as their yard looks like it should be featured in a magazine & yet they did all the work themselves over the years. They planted apple trees, plum trees, berry bushes, etc. & every year they make all sorts of spreads and jams and pie fillings, which they sell from their farm; they also have alpacas and donkeys, & use the wool from the alpacas to weave scarves and rugs, etc.  As if that weren't enough they tap the maple trees every spring and make gallons of maple syrup too. I asked them when they last took a vacation, and they both laughed, as they said they don't leave very often because there's always so much to do! But it's like a little piece of paradise tucked way back into the forest, and we really enjoyed walking around looking at everything! I left with maple syrup, blackberry jam, raspberry jam, and elderberry jam. My sister left with an equal amount of things, but all different from mine--apple butter, apple pie filling, plum jelly, etc. A beautiful, relaxing day!  :))