LAST SUMMER, LOON sightings proved common at a family member’s lake cabin south of Crosslake in north central Minnesota. This summer, not so much. While Randy and I heard the haunting call of loons during a recent stay, we only saw them twice—once a threesome swimming near shore and then two flying westward before a thunderstorm rolled in.
But bald eagle sightings more than made up for the absence of loons. We’d been at the cabin only hours when one swooped onto the top of a towering pine near the patio where we were enjoying late afternoon drinks with my sister-in-law. Randy pulled out his cellphone to snap a few photos. I stayed put since my 35 mm camera was back at the cabin. I reasoned that, by the time I walked to the cabin and back, the eagle would have flown away. That’s my usual luck.
And so we continued to chat and catch up on family news, the eagle all the while perched atop the tree like some silent eavesdropper. Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer. I headed to the cabin for my Canon, cautiously optimistic that the eagle would still be in the tree upon my return. It was.
I moved slowly away from the patio, pine tree and eagle in view, aimed my telephoto lens skyward and snapped a single frame before the eagle lifted off. I can only surmise that my camera lens appeared threatening to the observant bird with exceptional vision. An eagle can see an animal the size of a rabbit running from three miles away, according to the Wabasha-based National Eagle Center.
Nine minutes later, that same eagle was back, but in a different pine near the lake and on the other side of the patio. Once again, I managed one photo before the majestic bird took flight.
I never tire of seeing eagles, whether flying or statue still. They are truly majestic. Regal. Commanding respect. And they are our national bird, a designation officially signed into law on December 23, 2024.
Throughout our week-long cabin stay, I observed bald eagles flying above Horseshoe Lake multiple times. Sometimes high above the water. Other times descending toward the surface, fishing for fish. I hoped I would see a fish grasped in eagle talons. I didn’t. Nor did I see the eagles any closer than that first afternoon at the lake.
On the drive back to Faribault, Randy and I spotted many eagles soaring above the land, especially around Mille Lacs Lake. I couldn’t help but think of the eagle’s spiritual and cultural importance among Native Americans. Strength. Courage. Wisdom. All are equated with eagles.
This wondrous national bird is so common now that I’m no longer surprised when I see one flying in and around Faribault or elsewhere in Rice County or in Minnesota. Yet, despite frequent sightings, I never tire of seeing a bald eagle. There’s something about this bird with an average wingspan of 6-7 ½ feet, piercing eyes and curved beak that makes me pause, take notice and appreciate their fierce, unyielding strength and beauty.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Something I miss about living in the NW is seeing bald eagles. Lovely post, Audrey. ❤
No bald eagles in Texas?
I, too, always love to see an eagle, even now that they are easier to spot. It’s a great come-back story. They are majestic.
It is truly amazing how the eagle has repopulated.
As someone who grew up learning that bald eagles were so rare that I might never see one, I’m delighted to witness the number of the giant birds today. I’ve seen them hunting (fishing?) the Cannon River in Northfield from the steps of the post office.
Ken, I loved reading about your viewing eagles along the Cannon from the post office steps. What a sight. Like you, I grew up thinking I may never see one.
Love seeing these beauties in the treetops as well as soaring in the sky – love your captures 🙂 Thanks for sharing – ENJOY Your Day!
You’re welcome. I know how much you love all things nature.
During our Great River Road roadtrip, we stopped at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. It’s hard to imagine how big Bald Eagles are (since you usually only see them at a distance) until you can stand within a few feet of them. They have very large talons…
Yes, they ARE big birds. Glad you stopped at the National Eagle Center.
they are utterly magnificent. I can’t think of any better word to describe them. how lucky you are to see them –
Magnificent certainly fits. Bald eagles are now quite common in Minnesota.
we see them on our lake occasionally and always are amazed at their beauty, grace, speed and skill. What a gift to spend time at the cabin watching them.
Yes, we feel blessed to have that time at the lake each summer.