Life & Death

Caught this image late in the afternoon during a snow storm; a bald eagle working something in the stream. At first it appeared to be an ice block wedged on the gravel bar. I assumed a fish had come to rest against the ice. Closer inspection reveals it is a nearly submerged, dead buck that the ice has stopped on. Occasionally deer will get hit by a vehicle and wander into the river before expiring. Also, this time of year, as the winter ice thins, deer crossing the surface break through and drown. Whatever fate brought this buck to it’s death in the stream the eagles will take advantage of the gift of life it brings.