Changing Seasons

All photographs were taken by me, Terrie McClay.

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Winter Last updated on 3/07/15

WINTER - In the presence of Eagles

By Terrie McClay

Winter, for many, is a time to hibernate in the warmth of their homes, curled on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate, watching a movie or reading a good book. For me, much of my time is spent in the outdoors, bundled in layers of clothing and often wishing that I was home, warm and comfortable like everyone else. But Eagle had a very important lesson to teach me.

Recently, I went to a nearby wildlife refuge on a cold bitter day when the temperature was in the teens and the winds gusted to 40 mph. When I climbed out of my car, the cold nipped my fingers through my gloves. My cheeks burned from the wind. Yet, as I stood taking photographs of juvenile eagles squabbling on the ice, while several others circled overhead, I felt humbled in their presence. Their cries lifted my heart and I truly felt at peace. I looked across the marsh with the sun reflecting on the ice; the tiny pools of water where the little ducks paddled round in circles; the rays of sunlight, breaking through the clouds. I was surrounded by so much beauty – beauty that we often fail to notice when we are consumed with work, the many hours on the computer, Ipads, and cellphones.

That day, in the presence of Eagle, I was at peace, at one with my mind body and spirit. As I drove home, I felt as renewed as the day that I walked down from the mountain after my Vision Quest.

Now as I bundle in my many layers of clothing, Winter has taken a on a whole new meaning. I take the time to notice the tiny tuffs of grass, sticking up through the snow; the birds flitting from tree to tree; the prisms of light shimmering on the crystalline boughs; the waves of snow rolling across the fields; the white mist of breath. Winter – magical, inspirational, humbling, a quiet time to reflect.