Issue 1313 – Eagle Run – December 4, 2023
If you have been following closely, you may have noticed that the issue numbers were slightly mixed up last week. All have now been corrected, and we are back in order. Apologies for any confusion.
The salmon run has finished, and the eagles are once again disbursing. A couple of weeks ago, we had what the local media called the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world. I don’t know if that is accurate, but the baldies were here in incredible numbers.
The resident population is supplemented by the eagles that migrate further south for the winter. All of them feast on the remains of the spawning salmon. It’s a phenomenal sight; almost every tree along the river has an eagle, often more than one and the shores and islands are filled with feeding eagles.
On Saturday, even though the peak had passed, Kathy and I decided to do an eagle run on the spur of the moment. We’d pack a picnic lunch, head up along the Lougheed Highway to Agassiz (vis Mission), and return via the backroads through Chilliwack.
Even though it was past the peak, we saw plenty of eagles. We also saw numerous herons, flocks of trumpeter swans, hawks, geese, ducks and massive murders of crows.
We stopped at the beach along the Harrison River at Kilby. It was windy with a bit of rain, but the setting was great for watching the eagles, the gulls and a variety of waterfowl. There was a slight smell of rotting salmon, which, combined with low water levels, made it seem like being at the seaside,
We saw quite a few bald eagles, but also a golden eagle. Goldens are territorial, so seeing them in the same area was surprising. Perhaps it was because the two species don’t compete for food. Baldies primarily eat fish, and Goldens eat mostly mammals.
Eagles appear frequently in the bible as actual birds and as symbolism. They can symbolize the Lord’s judgment and His strength and protection.
In what is probably the most well-known of such passages, the Lord is giving a word of comfort through the Prophet Isaiah.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
There are similar words of comfort in the Psalms.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. Psalm 103:1-6
The next time you see an eagle, take a moment to remember the Lord’s mercy and provision and give Him Glory.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 KF “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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