Eagles

Gus has been barking a lot at night this winter.  We hear coyotes from time to time and we assume they are coming up close to the buildings looking for food.  Before the ground freezes, they will dig up buried pigs and drag the carcass out into the fields.  Then they can enjoy their meals with a little more privacy.  If they can snag a fresh one before we get it buried, that's all the better.

The Bald Eagle has made a great comeback, and many can be sighted along the Illinois River in the winter.  Bald Eagles feed on carrion, and this past week we have seen eagles on three different days working on a carcass out in the field north of our buildings.  Unfortunately, they don't let us get close enough to get a picture.
Ben Franklin was not a fan of the Bald Eagle.

Franklin's Letter to His Daughter (excerpt)

"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.

"With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country...

"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Matthew 24:28