The Eye

With its incredible acute eyesight, the majestic eagle has come to embody the concept of an all-seeing eye. This magnificent bird is often recognized as a powerful solar symbol, and it can be intricately linked to various sky gods from different cultures. It signifies a range of profound concepts including inspiration, the release from bondage, victory, longevity, remarkable speed, pride, fatherhood, and royalty. Because of its majestic presence, the eagle is frequently used as an emblem for powerful nations around the world. Notably, the Roman, French, Austrian, German, and American peoples have all adopted this striking image as their own national symbol. Consequently, a two-headed eagle has come to often represent the union of two nations, but it also signifies a great creative power. In the realm of psychological symbology, the eagle is viewed as a "mightily winged creature soaring through the vast heavens of the mind." The day I took this photograph, I thought I had been skunked by nature's unpredictable whims. The weather was foggy, creating a challenging environment for wildlife observation. I spent hours exploring the expansive wildlife refuge, and aside from an occasional prairie dog sighting, my efforts were yielding no results. I found myself in my truck, stopped along the road, feeling defeated and about to give up on the day's adventure and head home. Just at that moment, I noticed this magnificent raptor fly elegantly overhead. It circled gracefully for a while and then suddenly landed on a nearby fence post. The fog provided an ethereal backdrop, allowing him to stand out beautifully against the muted surroundings. I captured this picture with immense delight and felt a surge of excitement. The one thing that remains vividly etched in my memory from this moment was the powerful gaze of the eagle. His intense stare was both powerful and proud, and his body language unmistakably declared that he was the one in charge of the scene. I was thrilled beyond measure when I captured this stunning photo, but it is truly the unforgettable memory of that moment in time that will stay with me forever.

Location: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado