By popular demand and if I may start it with this classic...

Cruz,

Thank you for being you.

From the time you were brought into this world, you have captured our hearts. In the times we are living in, you have brought us inspiration, without knowing you have touched many lives, and we are the better for it. In over coming the odds and the wreckless nature of man, you have shown us that we all need to fight to overcome the maladies which we ourselves have manifested into our world. You have given us hope for the future. It's funny, it was the humans of this world who poisoned your ancestors almost to the point of extinction, now the same humans have, through their hard work and unforgiving dedication, given you and yours the best chance for survival you could hope for and the foundation for a long and happy life.

Soon we will gather to bid you a final fond farewell, but it's not truly goodbye...the human intervention that almost caused your demise, is the same that will allow you to teach us, and to follow your movements as you spread your wings and soar to places you now can only dream of.

To you I offer this prayer...

May the hand of God lead you safely in all of your journey of life, may the hunting be good, the food plentiful and the air beneath your wings be free of anything that may cause you harm. May you continue to prosper and grow into maturity, and may you be blessed with many an Eaglet to call your own.

Enjoy life, enjoy the world before you. you have brought so much enjoyment into our lives, it is now our wish that you enjoy your life as much as we have.

Godspeed in all your Journey's little one.

Darrell

PS - Don't be a stranger, stop by and say hello sometime...you'll always be welcome.

D B)

I'm going to one step beyond...and post this one originally posted by ojailala on Aug 10 2006 @ 04:57 PM

Ode to Cruz...

There once lived an eagle named 'Cruz'
'his' hatching caused great hulabalooze
not an eagle in fifty had hatched (not so nifty)
he soon became international news

Twenty-six is a beauty in deed
and dad, #10 quite agreed
They would mate for life-not a pre-nupt in sight
and they built a great nest by the sea

After waiting what seemed like forever
there came an end to their endeavor,
a grey ball of fluff said "35 days is enough"
and broke out of 'his' egg- he's so clever

The feeding began with a fury
It's fish that 'he' wants in a hurry
The parents are tired and Cruz is wired
"just don't bring me something furry"

As Cruz got bigger and bigger
It was time for a visit from Spickler
Jim climbed in the nest (in itself quite a quest)
put Cruz in a bag... go figure

He was lowered so carefully down
while wearing a most definite frown
he was poked and weighed and tagged and afraid
but quickly raised up off the ground

When Cruz began a cryin'
mom or dad would do a quick fly-in
They would drop off their fish..give Cruz a big kiss...
Did you two catch that Cumbrian??????

Now life for Cruz was just fine
a room with a view to dine
A staff at his call and food for all
Now all he needed was wine.

'He' sat wistfully content by the sea..
as a call came in from Peter.. you see..
he said... not so fast... things arn't as they seem
our sweet baby boy is a 'She'

We laughed and we cried
what a hoot; what a lie
who cares what the sex
She's American as pie

Does she know that she's famous and loved?
by us and by someone above?
she's brought us together, what reasons - whatever,
she might as well be a dove.

____________________________________________________________________

An instant classic...thank you!!!

D B)

A suggestion was made, and I kinda think it's a good one...we have lot's of threads available to comment about these Poems, Odes and Tributes, and I can always start another 'if needed'.

Let's restrict the postings of this thread to the Poems Odes and Tributes, only. That way we don't have to read through all of the comments, but can thouroughly enjoy the Odes to Cruz and not inadvertantly end up reading an Ode to the Catalina Buffalo.

Thank you everybody.

D B)

OK, OK I can take a hint.............I will transfer the videos, already posted in the video and photographs forum into here as well, so people can find them easier.

July 7th, 2006.
Mother Eagle brings food for eaglet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBA4GbE9Pak

July 8th, 2006. All around the nest.
Wing Exercises etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ViqD53z1O4

Supper and a good night at the nest.
Parent arrives with supper and Cruz jumps down from off camera branch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfoWVcjTlqE

Dad brings belated lunch.
Cruz mantles BIG TIME and waits until dad leaves before checking food

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tk4si6j-mg

July 13th,2006. Junior's Activities.
Includes Mom bringing Breakfast and Lunch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56KGTGwOTU

Fledge Party...July 14th, 2006.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rav-L7tOEOw

Part Two........I have only transferred the videos with Cruz on them. There are two others with just the parents on the nest....which are still on the Eagle Media..Videos and Photographs forum. Also there are three slideshows, A day in the life/June 27th. Another day at the nest/June29th and July1st 2006 which I have also left there.

It Only Took A Week.
Cruz returns 1 week to the day when she fledged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skT_g59_2IE

Memories Of Our Time Together.
A compilation of Hatching, Banding, Branching and Fledging.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHdHAeKjai4

Here are our video candidates for the Tribute. Jann took most of them, I took a couple.

Heavy Wings. Possibly cooling herself on a warm day.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles...vyWings_6-5.wmv

Jann's video of a-49 being returned to the nest after tagging.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles...ging_6-7-06.wmv

Compilation video made by Jann to counter a comment on another board that Cruz just sat around all day.
http://home.earthlink.net/~sybilbuni/images/SC_7-3-06.wmv

Something flies by the camera and Cruz goes to two of her favorite perches.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles...9_7-25_6-41.wmv

Compilation of two videos showing Cruz on all three of her favorite perches.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles/7-26-06_Visit.wmv

Cruz sitting in the triangle and then flying.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles...ght_7-27-06.wmv

A visit by a small bird to the empty nest.
http://home.earthlink.net/~dgalliva/eagles...Bird_8-7-06.wmv

Dave

Copied and posted here as requested.

Just some thoughts I had looking at the empty nest.
..................................... E IS FOR .....EAGLES LIVE HERE.....................................


This Eyrie although Empty now............ Enthralled us all, we all know how.
We watched the Eagles and the Eaglet too.............. Everyday with the IWS crew.


Cruz will soar and will be free................ and in our hearts she will always be.
Although she may have left for a distant shore...........Eagles lived here and will once more!

A little limrick for our Cruz

There once was an eaglet named Cruz(er)
Who turned out to be quite a bruiser
Mom would bring food
To this ea-gal with 'tude
Then fly before Cruz could abuse her

TRIBUTE TO CRUZ

We watched you grow, we saw you fly,
You made us laugh, you made us cry.

You grew so tall, you spread your wings,
Even though you had your "blings"

You had us fooled there for a while,
You are a girl with so much style.

Your Mom and Dad they did their best,
Food delivery to your nest.

On certain days you had your mood,
When Mom or Dad brought your food.

You mantled down into the nest,
I'm eating now, so let me rest.

And now your free to roam the sky,
So darling Cruz, fly, fly, fly.

You taught us well and gave us hope,
That baby eagles sure can cope.

You brought a forum altogether,
Never once a ruffled feather.

We hope one day you will return,
There's still so much we have to learn.

Your journey in life has just begun,
Reach for the stars, the moon and sun.

We wish you well and so much love,
God Speed to you from above.

Cruz was taking her first steps
Hopping, flapping, branching
When I had the pleasure to first see.

Watching her grow and blossom
In the fog, in the light, in the eve
At the top of that lone tree.

Mom and Dad visited regularly
Encouraging, teaching, loving
Showing her the "eagle" way.

Looking briefly at all of us
Cruz stepped to the nest's edge
Fledging on that July day.

She visited often so we could revel and see
Cruz was then showing US the "eagle" way
Knowing that time was quickly passing by.

Now she is spreading her wings
Soaring ever higher, on to meet her destiny
We'll see Cruz again, high in the sky!

Posted here by request.
Here is a posting that Lax'skeek put on the Saanich forum. Even though s/he lives in B.C. I think that the words here and in the following poem expresses our feelings on this forum too.

[Like all of you I have been truly inspired and blessed by these eagles!

When I arrived home in my village this summer, I was greeted by an eagle at the edge of the village with it's wings outspread as if to wrap me in it's warm welcome. The purpose of my visit was to take care of my mother who struggles with Parkinson's. The sight of the eagle lifted my spirits and gave me the strength to open myself to this challenging task.

The day after my arrival, I looked out of my parents front window to the beach below and there were 50-60 eagles on the rocks below. I was amazed and filled with excitement as I hadn't seen that many eagles in our village together at one time. I discovered later that someone had put out their salmon scraps after canning fish and the eagles held a feast. I got a couple of really great closeup photo's but my camera is an old fashioned one and if I scan the picture I do not know how to transfer them onto this site.

Eagles are an inspiration to me, to see one in flight is always a very good omen and indication that I am on the right path, that my life is unfolding as it should. I am from the Gitando tribe and the eagle, is my family crest. Therefore, I chose Laskeek as my user name, it means eagle in my language. Although my language was not a written language the proper spelling by linguistics, is Laxskiik. Each and every day there were eagles all around me, their presence supported me through my entire visit and one evening while watching the sun set, I discovered I was sitting under an eagles nest. I looked up at a baby eaglet peering over the edge at me. I was so moved and thought of all of you and our eagle forum and live cam. In the peacefullness and the beauty of that moment I closed my eyes and remembered to thank the creator of the universe for the many gifts that life has to offer..I've said that even the challenges are gifts that stretch me within and help shape the world that I experience. The learning is endless and I have found many treasures on this forum.I believe it is the synchronicity of our life's path why our lives have touched here.
In light and spirit,
Lax'skeek]

Whilst this poem has been written by Lax'skeek with the Hornby Island eagles in mind, I think that it also brings to mind what the Santa Cruz eagle family went through to hatch Cruz.

[The Gift

On Hornby Island
way up high in a nest
two beautiful eagles
came to rest

Upon two eggs
the parents did lay
tenderly nurturing them
each night and day


Nudging and turning
with great tender care
supporting each other
this incredible pair

Through challenging weather
they snuggled in tight
protecting those eggs
through day and through night

We watched them in wonder
intrigued by their cries
these two awesome birds
how they opened our eyes

They showed us the beauty
of things we can't see
the lessons of caring
way up in that tree

Away from the madness
in a world of illusion
these eagles did take us
to draw a conclusion

That life has it's gifts
if we open our eyes
and remember this message
as they take to the skies

That love is the answer
we could see from the start
we just had to be reminded
to open our heart

So take care of this earth
and all living things,
be open to blessings
and to all that life brings.

Written by Lax'skeek
from the Tsimshian Eagle Clan
August 18th 2006]

Lou, thanks for posting these beautiful lyrics.




THE EAGLE AND THE HAWK
(J. Denver, M. Taylor)

Oh, I am the eagle
I live in high country
In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky

I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers
But time is still turning they soon will be dry
And all those who see me and all who believe in me share in
the freedom I feel when I fly

Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops
Sail o'er the canyons and up to the stars
And reach for the heavens and hope for the future and all
that we can be and not what we are

Copyright © 1971 Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. (ASCAP)

This was taken June 1. My first attempt at video. Its kind of long but I think you'll like it. I have a couple more too I think.

http://media.putfile.com/Lunch-with-Dad


Cumbrian asked me to put it here.

The feeding frenzy of June 1st continues. Our little love ate for at least one solid hour that day with dad at the helm.


http://media.putfile.com/Lunch-with-Dad-Part-Deux

On the Island of Santa Cruz

On this beautiful island K-10 and K-26 met.
When this happened a lifetime union was set.
Beauty and grace filled the air around them.
Beside this union everything else seemed to dim.

From twigs, sticks, and grass a nest they did build.
In the top of a tall tree the nest threaten to spill.
But on they did work until the nest was quite sturdy.
Now they could get on with the job of making a little birdie.
(Sorry that was all that would rhyme)

Eagles in love make one beautiful sight.
With love in the air they did take flight.
K-26 was ready to take her place on the nest.
K-10 fed her and took care of her doing his best.

Two eggs were in the nest they built with care.
Even K-10 would take his turn on the eggs here and there.
Then one day up popped a chick as cute as could be.
For the world and all of us to see.

Mom and Dad were so shocked with what they saw.
When that baby chick peeped they were in awe.
OK so they were slow on what they needed to do.
But then instinct kicked in from out of the blue.

Each day that little one did peep.
And at night little one always went to sleep.
Mom stayed with little one all through the night.
And dad would bring food at the first morning light.

On and on the days they did fly by.
Our little chick became an eaglet in the nest way up high.
Our little one became very active with wings a flapping.
Bees were a buzzing and the sunbeams zapping.

Then one day became special with banding time near.
Our Cruz was so big as we watched on the cam with fear.
Dr. Jim was up in the nest with nothing to hold him.
He bagged up Cruz and sent him down over the limb.

Prodding and poking they measured and did various things,
Cruz was quiet while the voices of the people around did sing.
Soon they were finished with the banding and such,
Back up the tree Cruz went without trouble much.

The days grew long and hot in the nest up there,
But Cruz didn’t mind because his food he didn’t have to share.
His wings grew heavy with blood and feathers,
He watched the trees and land where he knew lay pleasures.

After lots of flapping and hopping he took off one day,
Away into the trees he did fly without much delay.
We watched the nest for his visiting return,
Days went by with fearful concern.

Then back he came to visit with all his fans,
His transmitter buzzing and on his little leg his band.
Then all of a sudden he became a she,
No one was more surprised then me.

We follow our princess’ adventures with lots of love,
But she no longer lives in the tree high above.
The island she roams with wonderful peace,
And now we wait with pleasure for the next years nest lease.

I called her Little Bit most of the time,
Others called her Cruz or other names that were sublime.
She is our Princess with an attitude and well she should,
Because she takes what she wants because she could.

I miss you my girl with so much pride,
You are such a sweet girl with nothing to hide.
You will make us all proud by being the first,
Our little girl with the designer purse!!!
:wub: :wub: :wub:

Our local paper has a section called "Poetry, Pictures & Prose" every Sat. to where locals can submit.
This caught my eye and I thought I would share it. It really painted pictures with words for me.

The Gull and the Eagle

Hey, come fly with me clear to the sky
The gull cried as the eagle soared by.
The eagle and gull circled with pride
Riding thermals like surfing the tide,
Look at those fools climb, the buzzard cried,
As gull and eagle passed side by side.
Let them go said the hawk from a tree.
I lost them whined the crow curious to see.
Higher yelled the gull with a giggle.
Goodbye now you slow flying eagle.
Look, said the eagle, and you will see
I am higher than you will ever be.
Up they rode the currents of hot air.
Straining for the sky to win the dare.
Come, said the eagle, catch up to me.
Here I am cried the gull riding free.
Where did they go, asked the very swift dove?
I don’t know said the lark from a cove.
Fools they are and fools they will be
Said the wise old owl from his oak tree.
Up they went, the gull and the eagle
Trying to find out who was more regal.
Up they flew to rare air and hot sun
When they began the race seemed like fun.
Come, said the eagle, Mr. Gull, let’s go
I can’t do it, wheezed the gull below.
So the eagle soared out of his sight.
The gull could not match the eagle’s flight.

Robert Hewett Sr.

It's with a very heavy heart that I post this video of the final five minutes of beloved nest. If anyone wants the actual video, e-mail us and we'll send it to you.

Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r53pHcpT3xw

da da dan da da
da da dan da da
da da dan da da da da

da da dan da da
da da dan da da
da da dan da da da da

Grew up in a small town
and when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray

Trying hard to reach out
But when I'd try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I'd pray
I could breakaway

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky
I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But i won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll Take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakawaaaaaay

da da dan da da
da da dan da da
da da dan da da da da

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get aboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane far away
And breakaway...

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
I gotta make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
but i won't forget all the ones that I love
gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging round revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me
But I gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away
Breakaway...

I'll spread my wings
then I'll learn how to fly,
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance,
Make a change,
And breakaway...

Breakaway
Breakaway...

Walking With Life

May the desires of your heart be pure
Seeking not to obtain but to learn
Soaring as the eagle above the trials and tribulations
Bringing peace to all who cross your path
Never allowing the dark clouds to prevail
Letting the lands remain free and untamed
May the spirit of life strengthen your power
Walk tall but softly keeping track of where you tread
Remember your brothers and sisters with kindness
Don't let mistrust lead your paths astray
Waste not what you have been given to survive
All creatures have a purpose and place
Keep your arrows true and straight
For unnecessary plight may come from the crooked
Ask for nothing in return for giving
Listen, watch and gather wisdom from the elders
Their paths have been tried by the fire
Don't believe because of prominence alone
Be weary for the thief comes in the night
Righteousness is the overcoming force
Truth will always be your friend

--Copyright 1997 Gary A. Palmer

Twas the night before Christmas
And on the island Santa Cruz,
All the peeps they were stirring
full of "IP" (that's booze).

Eagle nests were hung
by the chimneys with care
In hopes that eggs
Soon would be there.

Bixby asleep, all snug in her bed
with visions of eaglets
dancing 'round in her head.

CDN asleep (outside deep in snow)
Oz wide awake
"Its tomorrow you know."

When out by 'the tree'
there arose such a clatter
Bea dragged out of bed
to see what was the matter.

For what to her wandering eyes did appear
but Roy and Pat yelling "Lookie Here!"
Their eyes were all sparkly, cheeks all aglow
"K10 and 26 are sitting so now we all know."

We want you to come
see what's in the nest,
there are branches and sticks
and you know the rest.

So Dave and Jann threw on their robes
to keep warm fingers, toes and ear lobes.

And there comes HulaBird zipping up the hill
with her Christmas list she is trying to fill.
"I need some goodies for the eagle's lunch
put in a salmon so they'll have something to munch."

The moonlight was reflected on Skipper's bald head
and Harpo was moaning about going to bed.

When out on the island
there arose such a clatter
that Peter ran out
to see what was the matter.

When what to his wandering eyes did he see
but a kayak pulled by Cruzers (you and even me).

He threw up his hands in total awe
"I can't believe what I just saw.
I'm outta here, this place is a sight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night."





--------------------

Bee
Lancaster CA (the high desert)

:tic: As the countdown begins towards the end of this year and we start to look forward to the new one ... I wanted to post this.... it comes from my heart. <3

Nestorian’s Review of the Year 2006.

In a nest, high in a tree, on Santa Cruz Island, on April 12, 2006, history was made, when a bald eagle chick successfully broke from it’s shell .... this natural hatching was the first in 50 years ...on the Northern Channel Islands... and the biologists were delighted!

Some members were here at the start, and watched as this chick grew .... others, like myself, joined the Discussion Group/Forum in June... the day we all watched in awe ... when A-49/Cruz, as she would become known to us ... was banded and given her GPS tracking device.

So the chick grew, and so did our discussion group. Strangers started to become friends, as we got to know more about each other.

In July, Cruz successfully fledged ... she just spread her wings and flew away from the nest, and we were delighted, yet concerned for her.

During the Summer and into the Fall, we were updated weekly, by the IWS Team, who informed us that she had explored Santa Cruz Island and was now on Santa Rosa Island .... and she was making friends too.

An idea was also hatched on the forum ... and it grew until it also took flight, and the result was a tremendous monetary achievement ...as a group we had set out to sponsor 1 nest and we ended up sponsoring 7 ...the IWS and our beloved eagles were the beneficiaries of this super idea/achievement ... but everyone of us on this forum are winners ... and we became known as the A-49 Cruzers Group!

In October, several of the Californian contingent of members, solidified their friendship, as they went on a huge blind date to Santa Cruz Island. Their excitement grew on landing, at Prisoner’s Harbor, as not only were they met by Dr.Peter Sharpe and Dave of the IWS ... who does some of the updates... but there also to greet them were K-10 and K-26 ... the parents of our beloved Cruz!

Surviving a ‘Death March’ to see the nest or just sitting savouring the new friendships being forged .... as well as the M&M’s....it was a day to be remembered indeed. And they shared their experiences, with those of us who could not be there, through their stories, and the DVD of the photographs taken that day.

Just like Life, in general, puts obstacles in our path and Nature, in particular, is cruel ... we were saddened to learn about the deaths of two of the fledglings.
A-61 had struggled with a broken leg, whilst still in the nest, and he had been removed, his leg repaired and he successfully fledged, but unfortunately did not survive life out in the wild.
A-53 also succumbed to nature.
Their lives were too short.
We mourned them and we will always remember them.

During the ‘off season’ we were entertained by Ravens, Scrub Jays and other smaller birds at the nests. The term ‘ twig-nappers’ was soon being used, as several birds raided the eagle’s nests.

The eagles started to return to their nests, bringing sticks etc.

At the Two Harbors nest poor #81, the male of the nest, came under attack from Ravens .... but he stood firm .... after all it is HIS nest!

At Santa Cruz nest we were delighted to see both eagles return to do nestorations, even on a very gusty/windy day. We now have hope again ... they are still a couple and they are preparing their nest.... so hopefully we will have babies again in the Spring.

The West End nest females... Dianna and Wray... concerned us with a few days of constant fighting ... Dr.Sharpe advised us this was a norm for this nest!

In our nest too ... here on the forum... we also had some concerns. We are a diverse group of people ... but we are Human Beings and therefore we will not always agree on everything that is being discussed.
Fundamentally, we are as one, in our group’s endeavour, to help the IWS and our beloved eagles in whatever way we can. But disagreements occur and feelings are sometimes hurt.

It is my earnest hope, that we can SOAR LIKE THE EAGLES above any unpleasantness that may occur on this forum and as the hours and minutes of this year tick away to it’s end, this wonderful group of people, who call themselves Eagleholics, and are also proud to be part of the A-49 Cruzers group, should leave any problems and disappointments etc, behind them... in the PAST... where they belong ... and go forward, together, towards 2007 a brand NEW YEAR untouched.... and into the Future, where all our dreams are waiting to be fulfilled.

It is a pleasure to be involved with the members of this forum. :wub:

Go Cruzers!

Call me sentimental.....I took a video of the final 5 minutes of the Santa Cruz nest for 2006. Was hoping for a glimpse of one of the eagles, but that didn't happen. Not an exciting video, but it is the end of a very good year, so I'm posting it here just because it was such an historical and inspiring year!

Goodbye 2006

The Dalliance of the Eagles

Skirting the river road, (my forenoon walk, my rest)
Skyward in air a sudden muffled sound, the dalliance of the eagles,
The rushing amorous contact high in space together
The clinching interlocking claws, a living, fierce, gyrating wheel,
Four beating wings, two beaks, a swirling mass tight grappling,
In tumbling turning clustering loops, straight downward falling,
Till o'er the river pois'd, the twain yet one, a moment's lull,
A motionless still balance in the air, then parting, talons loosing,
Upward again on slow-firm pinions slanting, their separate diverse flight,
She hers, he his, pursuing.
--- Walt Whitman, The Dalliance of the Eagles

Just a little something to our 2007 SC chick (and the others at all the nests as well):

I get up in the morning and I flap my little wings
I listen all around me as the other birdies sing

Mom and Dad bring sushi a hundred times a day
I eat a lot and sleep a lot and then find time to play

Folks from all around watch every move I make
They love when I back up and a big poop shot I take

I'm just a baby eagle waiting for the day I'll fly
And when I fledge look for me up in the big blue sky

What Is Memorial Day?

by LT Bobby Ross

My years whirl past me. Swirling. Dry, broken grass hovering in a
spring breeze. Can I remember my experiences in war? Hardly. Fighting
for my country, my youth invested, seems such a long time ago, and so
unimportant. The calendar this year marks Memorial Day on the 29th of May, 2000.
Have I lost something?
The traditional Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, is on the 30th of May.
This observed Memorial Day on May 29th coincidentally allows for a national three day holiday.
Such is commercialism's capitalistic American display. But why do I feel so
stricken, like I have abandoned old friends from long ago? Their ghosts
consort with my floating years, and their spirits coast around my presence.

Another three day holiday! Memorial Day! Maybe me and the kids
can go camping? Or, to the beach? Memorial Day is fun! This is the
inconsiderate, thoughtless approach to this meaningful, and consecrated
moment representing one three hundred and sixty-fifth of our year. What is
the meaning of Memorial Day? Is it merely a three day escape from our
worldly duties? Or, is it the official beginning of summer? Is selling
more hot dogs at the ballpark the overriding clarification?

Many souls, sacrificed in war, in duty to America, are wandering.
They drift in a heavenly place, minus their future here upon earth.
Tomorrows were forfeited. Given up so our nation would invigorate free
souls, aspire them to freedom, and justly allow their lives lived as they
prefer. Raising offspring above restrictions, as they desire. Those lost
lives giving we, the living, what we want freely. Those are the souls we
respect on Memorial Day. This means it is a sacred day.

Without retrospect, sacrifice is mute. Old Glory does not wave by
accident. It flutters in the spring air revealing honor. The color red
represents the blood bloom from those who fell, those who clawed,
those who cried in horrible pain. Those who died fast. And, those who died ever so slowly.
They did their duty. When I see Old Glory waving on a sunny, end of May day,
the pigment red gushes from millions of souls, floating, not
with us, anymore. They are amongst our heroes, cajoling with angels with
their champions, conquerors and commanders. Friends and loved ones gather,
over the grave, witness to those who gave more than anyone should be required to relinquish.
They did not want to yield. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,
and when the moment harshly struck them their fatal blow, they cried for their mother, or their friend.
Then there were those, many of those, who knew exactly what they were giving.
They moved forward knowingly.
They lost their lives so their mission would be accomplished.

Fools! Some intellects can say that. One would have to be an
imbecile to give up life, no matter what the cause. For a flag? Futile!
For a country! More pointless! For freedom! What freedom is there in
mortality? Yes, fools they may have been, but their numbers add up in an
awesome display of American loss! Veterans' Cemeteries, white badges
sailing row after row after row upon green grass, almost never ending,
creeping onto the horizon. Constant reminders of the devastation of our
human treasure. Mothers' tears, enough to fill an ocean to overflow.
Sweethearts, broken hearted, reading telegrams. Sons and daughters, many
unborn, wakening at birth to a devastated family suffering from a victim of
war there no more. And what does all this macabre math equal? Memorial
Day is the correct answer.

Few Americans know a person who died in war. Their family trees
have lost some leaves, falling as they fought in one of America's wars, or
discarded in the peacetime military. We are a busy people. We have
business to capture. Our kids are in school. We have chores. Mundane, or
surrealistic. We are a spirited society, seeking applications to improve
ourselves and our communities. We are a helpful populace, always there
when the going gets tough to help those who have suffered the tragedies of
nature, whether a hurricane or a famine. Americans are always the first on
the scene worldwide bearing their gifts of human spirit and abundance.
This is why it is so puzzling that the meaning of Memorial Day seems to
lack substance to many of our own people. Even with the day itself. Put
back to accommodate a holiday schedule fixed by some organism no one knows,
yet powerful enough to do so, the day itself lacks consequence to too many.
Many who never knew a person who died in service to America are wrought
with the invisible pain of not feeling for those who do.

Americans take things for granted. We have so much. So very much.
Endless choices. These options are not available worldwide. Our shelves
are full. Unlike many in other nations of the world. So many are empty or
offer very limited selections. Those American fighting men and women
killed in battle whose souls are floating actually made available these
wondrous choices we have every day of our American lives.
Yet, most of our youngsters have no idea whatsoever what this means.
They don't learn this in school. We must teach them.
For without knowledge, they may end up thinking, or believing,
all these marvelous selections came without circumstance. Minus anything.
Equaling no meaning.

Our nation needs to halt and perceive the flags and flowers on our
Veterans graves on this consecrated holiday. We need to lift a common
voice of adoration to those floating spirits of our onetime American
Warriors, and extol them with a salutation. We have not come that far with
our technological miracles of this millennium to become crass. We still
need respect. Our backs can not turn from formality. Our eyes can not
look away from custom. Our voices must not resonate in silence against
honor and glory. To do so will leave us hollow, only to fill us with that
which is desolate and lacking potential. This is not the true meaning of
Memorial Day. The heartfelt significance requires reminding. Story
telling. Wisdom being passed on from our Veterans to our younger
generations. An interpretation certified by those who remember the horrors
of war. Without this core, our society can not remain genuine. It becomes
contemptible. It rots from within. These floating souls of our lost
American Warriors are a powerful force, for they live within our hearts.
They constantly seek justification for their contributions, and they are
real within us. Such is what our American substance stands for, where
character is developed, individually is guaranteed, and a community, a
nation, survives.

America enters the 21th Century as the most powerful entity
humankind has ever experienced. America permeates this next century with
vast responsibilities. Our children must bear this promise. We can not
turn our backs on these bygone descendants, nor can we do so upon
ourselves. Memorial Day offers us the opportunity to express a moment of
solitude where each of us can personify in our own way what we feel. I
only speak for my myself, as one who has bared his soul to the dread of
war. So my father did, and his father's father before him, and their souls
float amongst the multitudes. My mother and her mother held their Veterans
after they returned from war, tears streaming down their cheeks in
gratitude for their safe return. And there were those in my ancestry who
did not return from war. And their mothers' tears soaked the pillows on
beds for generations to sleep upon. Their souls are the dreams that drift
amongst the floating, gathering at the end of May in the breeze of summer's
coming, in the cool glass of lemonade at the child's street side stand, in
the cheers at the ball game from the crowd rooting their team to victory
and enjoying the best hot dogs in the world. Let us all stop for a moment,
whether it is on the traditional day, or the observed Memorial Day, or even
at the end of May, and reach for those floating souls. Let us reveal to
them how much we cherish their sacrifice for our free people. Let these
memories harvest our recognition of the meaning of Memorial Day in a very
simple word. And let that word, simply stated be: Thanks.

You will find here a video containing a multitude of stills of the banding of A 63 set to Music. I think you will find it informative and heart touching in more ways than one. I would ask as you watch this that you continue to remeber A 63...he does seem much better and hopefully he is just still a little stiff and perhaps not happy with his new jewelry. He seems much stronger today wing wise but the feet , legs, or talons still seem to be bothering him at least somewhat. He did put up quite a struggle; so this could be a part of the lingering soreness, stiffness.

A 63 you are such a "spirited young eagle. It has been an awesome experience to watch you grow and prepare for the day you will Soar into Freedom.
Here is a Movie for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JqPdwkP2yw

Ode to the Chicks

Twelve eagle chicks were hatched this spring
Recently all have received their "bling"
Eleven have orange tags, and one has blue
Such special eaglets to me and you

Triplets at the West End - what a thrill! ^"^ ^"^ ^"^
We were all afraid that Harry would take a spill
Dianna, Wray, and Superman :EGSM:
Have fed their chicklets as fast as they can
It has been amazing to watch their three
Get along so well - a happy family

At Two Harbors we have quite a pair ^"^ ^"^
Our Rock Stars sit and stare and stare
Their parents are always so sweet
We just think that their nest needs to be neat
Rascal K78 has been wandering away from the scene
His sister K79 isn't quite as keen

Over on Santa Cruz Island on April 13
We watched, and it was such a blessing
After a stormy night and on a glorious morn
Our Sweet Peeps, A63, was born ^"^
Cruz has a brother! What a delight!
It was such a relief after a terribly windy night
K10 and K26 deserve a round of applause
For such young parents, they've done a really great job :<<>>: :<<>>:

Thanks to Peter B-)) , Steffani :<S><: , and the whole IWS crew
We've also seen the Pinnacle, Seal, and Twin Rocks chicks as they grew
The Channel Islands eaglets have given such joy to all of us
The pleasure of watching them grow has been marvelous
It's time to give back - please do what you can
To contribute to our Nest Adoption Plan!

-CDN June 2007

From the Heart of Chaika

For K-10, K-26, the egg that was Limuw--and to the Ravens

~~Echoes On An Empty Nest~~
<3 :<<>>: <3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D5UZMope0A

This is so beautiful. Sound up.

Glo’s video of Limuw

Good morning eagle friends! I wanted to let the Canadian forum members know that I sent a number of pretty, coloured maple leaves that I collected, pressed and mailed with a loving heart to Dave/Tiger and Jann. They will release the leaves sometime today, out on the water or near Pelican Harbor, or someplace appropriate, as our memorial to Limuw. Jann will be releasing hers at the zoo when they have the memorial service there. It's the best thing I could think of to leave for Limuw from his Canadian family. There were enough leaves included to represent each one of us. So when you think of him today, know that something from Canada is being left for Limuw.

I dropped them individually into the water during the ceremony in Pelican Harbor and watched them drift towards the island. They were so beautiful in the very blue harbor and they floated so well I was mesmerized by them. I had Ojailala take a picture when I was showing them off. I wish I had a camera with me when I released them but I didn't.

MIB

LIWMU , KUT'A APAY MA'M AHASH LIWMU RISE UP INTO SPIRIT
LIWMU, KUT'A APAY MA'M UQSHTA'Y LIWMU RISE UP INTO LIGHT
LIWMU, KUT'A APAY MA'M AQSHWALAW LIWMU RISE UP INTO LOVE
LIWMU , KUT'A APAY MA'M TEEPA LIWMU RISE UP INTO PEACE

To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your life depends on it; and when the time comes, to let it go.



Mary Oliver

"Time past is gone, thou
canst not it recall

Time present is now, enjoy
thy portion small

Time future is not, and for you
may never be

Time present is the only time
there is for thee”

Anon

Last year ... same date ... I posted the Nestorian’s Review of 2006 ... I hope that as the :tic: countdown begins, towards the end of another year, and we look forward with hope to the new one ... you will all enjoy this year’s contribution. :X:


Nestorian’s Review of the Year 2007.

The year started off with some new additional forums on our Discussion Board ... the birth of the A to Z ... the Forum Members’s Biographies ... was one, and our very own A-49/Cruz was the very first entry. Why not ... she was the one that brought us all together in the first place! Lots of members submitted their bios .. and most had photos .. as requested, before the ‘start date’ and I am delighted that as we have gained new members throughout the year, that some have felt comfortable to submit theirs too.

The ‘All Eagles All The Time’ threads were also created in the early part of the year ... and we now have a beautiful reminder of all the events that took place on all 3 nests ... Santa Cruz ... now known as the Pelican Harbor nest, Two Harbors and the West End nests ... last season.
The captures and videos ... taken by the ‘Nest Watch Team’ show their love and dedication to those of us who may not be able to access the Cams as often as we would like ... and they are a permanent record that we can refer to often to check if the :<<>>: :soar: are on ‘target’ in future seasons.

After the success of the very first .. ‘blind date’ .. meeting of the A-49 Cruzers in October 2006, another trip had been suggested by our Cruz Director Extraordinaire ... Karen/kljinusa ... to visit Santa Rosa Island in the Spring. Not only were the ‘locals’ signing up to attend but some ‘out of towners’ were also planning too as well. So in April ... the East Coasters ... harpo and Paula ... together with these Canadians ... also joined in all the fun of getting to know the ‘Cruzers!’ What a wonderful experience that was. We also ‘hiked’ to the nest on Santa Cruz Island and saw our favourite eagle couple and their new chick on the nest ... and as I have mentioned in the previous paragraph ... through the dedication of the members on Nest Watch ... we didn’t miss a beat of any of the action on any of the nests ... even though a few of the ‘Team’ were busy in California and not able to assist with the captures. Thanks again everyone for taking on that task. You are appreciated so much!

We .. the forum members .. have been featured in a few newspaper articles this year too, the LA Times for one ... and our favourite Lemonwood Eagle Squad became famous .. on Saturday, April 14th .. in the Ventura County Star.

The Cruzers love to party ... and have met on several other occasions this year too. So if ever you get the opportunity to go to California .. or anywhere-else that an A-49/Cruzer lives ... do not hesitate to contact them ... the rewards of meeting some of the most wonderful people on Planet Earth should not be missed!

Other :<<>>: highlights of this year were the historic hatchings on the Pinnacle Rock :^: :^: and Seal Rocks :^: :^: Nests on Catalina Island, in March/April, plus watching the Twins at Two Harbors and the Triplets at West End ... Way to go :EGSM: ... after they were fostered back into the nests they were removed from as eggs!

A wild fire that started on Catalina Island on May 10th knocked out the power for the webcams, and a lot of damage occurred, but fortunately the eagles’ nests and occupants, plus Tachi, the little Island Fox, and Pimu, were safe and none of the IWS crew were hurt.

On September 5th, Hyde, the captive Golden Eagle, joined Pimu, the captive Bald Eagle at Middle Ranch. Steffani updates us weekly as to how their ‘training’ is going.

But we also had our sorrows as we lost A-63/Limuw (in Nevada) and K-71 of the Pinnacle Rock Nest (on Catalina Island). Life in the wild is full of danger, regardless whether you roam far or stay close to home.

Every Eagle is precious .. especially to the IWS and their Restoration Project ... and also to us who watch the EagleCams.
At Two Harbors we worried about ‘Peanut’ .. he needed human assistance at the IWS facilities to get out of his shell. At the West End nest it was ‘Harry’ .. would he fall off the nest? But there is always one, that stands out from all the rest. Last year we watched A-49/Cruz’s every move ... this year it was her baby brother’s turn.

A-63/Limuw worked his way out of his shell and into the world during a gale .. he first ‘branched’ the day he was ‘banded’. He stood resolute on his nest as many strangers ‘visited’ ... and he remained in the area and visited the nest often after he fledged. We loved this magnificent .. always ‘talking’ .. eaglet ... and we were devastated when he left this world.

On October 6th, we said our ‘Goodbyes’ to our beloved and beautiful boy ... Limuw. Some Cruzers went again ... or for the first time ... to SC Island and Island Packers took them to Pelican Harbor where a Ceremonial Chumash Blessing to his spirit was done by Julie Tumamait ... flowers, petals and even Canadian Maple leaves were cast on the water ... and as her beautiful words were spoken ... both there and at the SB Zoo ... where other members had gathered in front of the Eagle exhibit ... or in our own homes ... we felt that Limuw’s Spirit was now soaring and he was at Peace. He will always remain in our hearts. <3

In June the Cruzer Nest Adoption Challenge commenced. In 2006 we ‘adopted’ 7 nests, raising over $7,000 in support of the IWS. This year, through the wonderful efforts of the committee, the amount raised was ..... $18,760.50 .... Way To Go Cruzers!
Lots of members won prizes and some very lucky members have already visited Catalina Island and taken their trip with Dr Sharpe. Others will be visiting when the chicks are in the ‘nursery’. What a thrill ... up close and personal with a bald eagle ... whatever the age! :D

We are however, all winners ... whether you won a ‘Baldie’ or not ... because a lot of the money raised was used to upgrade the Catalina and SC Islands’ eagle cams .. and .. we also get two new cameras on line! Seal Rocks and Twin Rocks are all ready in position ... thanks to Dr Sharpe/Pete and Steff’s hard graft. ‘Nest Building’ has also been added to their resumes and we all have our :X: fingers crossed, that the nest they built at the Reservoir will entice A-32 and K-93 to claim it as their own and start another ‘bonding’ relationship.

So .. through the joint efforts of the IWS team and NinjaShirpa and CHIL .. there will be 5 nests on camera next year!

In November the kayaks that the Cruzers purchased, were named Eagle Eye I and Eagle Eye II ... we hope that through their use the biologists will be able to track and monitor the eagles along the coastline ... and maybe even find new nests.

And what of Cruz? ... well we heard this month that she has remained close to home and is currently on Santa Rosa Island. The IWS are continuing with the weekly updates so we will hopefully learn more of the whereabouts of the Class of 2007

So here we are ... just over a year and a half later, from where it all began ... when we started to watch that ^"^ we came to know, and love, as A-49/Cruz. We are still that diverse group of people with a common goal in our love for the eagles ... to make sure that the Channel Islands, off California, will soon have greater numbers of Bald Eagles on them ... and for each other.

No matter what cards life dealt you this year ... I trust that the love and friendship that you have found on this forum has helped and supported you ... during the sad and stressful times ... or made you want to share whatever made you feel joyful.

2007 is nearly over ... A new year is about to begin ... The eagles will soon return to begin a new season .... and we eagleholics are ready and eager too.

May 2008 be a wonderful year for the IWS ... the :<<>>: :<<>>: at all the nests on Catalina Island and Santa Cruz Island ( :<<>>: :<<>>: :<<>>: WE Nest! :P) ... CHIL ... and for all of us .... the A-49/Cruzers!

Ode To A Chatroom
One day I decided to get on the net,
I thought a chat room would be my best bet.
I saw names and words come up from where
I knew not.
I soon took a chance and had a nice thought,
Could I do this, it looked really neat.
I saw names on the screen that started with sweet,
sweet smiles, Hulabird, and EagleDuo were there too,
And then I saw it, "Oh, yes, we're talking to you,
come on in and chat for awhile. "
And when I did I started to smile.
I saw Minacat and Cumbrians and soon I was friends
with quite a few people by the days end.
And after awhile they called me their friend.
Sometimes I come in and my friends are not there,
But I'll go back again because I know that they care.
Some live in the states and some do not,
But they always know when I need to talk.
I am so glad I took the leap and went into the
chat room where friends are so neat.

Photos courtesy of Saraoh

Here is a little Smilebox slideshow that I made for all my eagleholic friends. There are 8 pages. You can click on the arrows to turn the pages, and you can also zoom in to see the pictures and captions more clearly. You have to zoom back out to find the arrows again to turn the pages. Turn your sound on! I hope you enjoy it! Happy Valentine's Day!

:<<>>: <3 Love Birds <3 :<<>>: