New home built in town

One of the things I've come to cherish about this part of Iowa is that we have bald eagles. I grew up in Michigan believing that this state was the most famous place to see the bald eagle. My dad would talk about them and we'd look for them whenever we were out hiking somewhere. And yet, I only recall seeing a bald eagle once or twice during my childhood. Of course, in the 70's, we blamed that on over-hunting and called for a need to clean up our trash. Here in Iowa, especially this time of year, bald eagles are a regular sight. And, here in Mount Vernon, we've learned that a couple have moved in! The exciting part of their new home is that is right along one of my favorite running courses. It's right at the corner where I either choose a very long run or a little jaunt before I turn my bike northward for a ride of rolling hills. And, more importantly for me this year, it's along my drive into town. The DNR tells us this nest is the home nest for this pair of eagles and that they may have already laid a couple eggs in it. I stop to gawk at least one a day. There's nothing like seeing a bald eagle in the middle of the cornfield on a snowy day. A couple weeks ago, we pulled off the road to sit and watch EIGHT of them just grazing. The sight of a baldie soaring through the sky is amazing. The mght appear to be a normal hawk until they get close enough to recognize their extra wide wingspan. Or, if you're lucky, it's a blue sky day when you see one and their white head is unmistakeable against the clear blue background. I stop everytime I see an eagle. Which reminda me, I'm looking for a bumper sticker that might warn you of the fact. "I brake for bald eagles"