A wonderful thing happens in our area every winter. A magical thing that leaves you feeling holy, blessed and allows your spirit to soar. No, it is not Christmas, and it is not the blanket of white snow that brings a hushed reverence to our neck of the woods. Although both of those are wonderful and have a similar effect on me.
Every winter, starting in November, we get a visit from the world of bald eagles. Hundreds of eagles settle in along the north shores of Coeur d’Alene Lake to rest in the pine trees and feast on the spawning kokanee salmon before they continue to migrate south for the season.
Kokanee are a smaller salmon, about 10-15 inches and are a popular catch for fishermen. They are good to eat grilled fresh but are even better when they are smoked. Like other salmon, eating them at least twice a week helps reduce the risk of heart disease. However, unlike other sockeye salmon that travel to the ocean and then come inland to spawn, the kokanee are land-locked salmon that spawn in the cool lake in early November. The females live 3-4 four years before they spawn. In the fall, the female kokanee lay their eggs in the clean gravel along the lake shores. Then, sadly, they die. But, these dying salmon are exactly what bring the eagles into the area for a few months. The Bureau of Land Management, who keeps track of such things, counted 379 Eagles this year. The eagles stay in the area until the first part of January, depending on the kokanee fish population, before they continue migrating south.
Going out to observe the bald eagles is an anticipated activity in our area. People at the coffee shops will discuss when the birds have arrived, and the local newspaper will run an article or two on them. Once here, the birds will perch in the tall pine trees and with their “eagle eyes” they will watch for a kokanee to surface. Then they will swoop down and clutch the fish in their talons and return to a tree to eat it. You will often see 2-5 eagles sitting in a tree. I try to go out once or twice a year to bear witness to this display of tranquility and beauty.
It is magnificent to watch this display of nature. Spectators will gather on the rocky hillside at Higgens Point or along the gravel beach to observe and experience the world at its best. There is a hushed reverence among us as we watch in awe, hoping not to disturb the beauty and silence. Trying not to break the magical spell that settles over us. Big game photographers gather with their camouflaged large lens cameras, hoping to capture the perfect picture of our national bird in its own habitat. And then there are those of us with our little I-phone cameras trying to get a halfway decent picture. Either way, we are all here in common unity to be part of an ethereal experience.
“The eagle does not escape the storm. The eagle simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It spreads its mighty wings and rises on the winds that bring the storm.”
Jack White
The bald eagle is the national symbol of strength, majestic beauty, and longevity. There is a story that claims Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird. Franklin said the turkey was a more respectable bird and an original native of America. Bearing witness to both birds in our area, I am going with the bald eagle. The turkeys trample through our yard and leave messes behind. And there is a reason that we sometimes refer to people as “turkeys.” These birds are not the smartest. They will peck at their own reflection in the glass door at our house or clean car bumper (which we seldom have) and they will answer to Mr. U when he does his imitation of a turkey gobble. Although, I have to admit that he is pretty good at it. Hum…
“If you want to soar like an eagle in life, you can’t be flocking with the turkeys.”
Warren Buffett
What does an eagle have to do with retirement?
Not only does the eagle make a great national bird, but I think that it represents healthy aging and a well lived retirement lifestyle. The phrase “to soar like an eagle” describes a feeling of being free and unencumbered. This is exactly what our lives should be like in retirement. We are no longer bound by work schedules and expectations. If we have planned our finances well, we are not weighed down by worry about paying our bills. We are free to soar, explore and live life to its fullest.
These birds naturally live a healthy lifestyle that we could stand to emulate in our retirement years. They eat lots of salmon that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. When migrating, eagles fly up to 100 miles per day. That is some pretty hefty exercise, which we all know is good for us both physically and mentally. It is particularly good for our mental health when it is done outside. While Eagles do not typically travel in flocks, they do mate for life, so they have a partner to share the ups and downs of life with. While it does not have to be a spouse, we all know that significant relationships in our lives help keep us engaged and prevent depression. Also, eagles often migrate south for the winter. Smart birds – they are the real, original “snowbirds.” They enjoy the journey by stopping at favorite places to rest, hang out together and eat some great food along the way. I’d say they are a pretty good representation of a great retirement lifestyle. Let’s soar like an eagle.
