Harriman State Park of Idaho’s visitors center overlooks the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. One morning in 1990, while waiting for tour groups, I looked through the viewing window and watched a flock of immature bald eagles flying over the river. Immature bald eagles are 3-5 years old and have brown plumage speckled with white before getting their distinctive white head. They are sort-of in their “teenage” years as they figure things out on their own, develop their wings, learn how to soar on the wind drafts and get better at catching their own food.
Suddenly, one of the eagles swooped down to the water and extended his talons. It was the typical “eagle stance” seen in photos, displayed atop winners trophies and stamped on the back of a 1976 American silver dollar. This majestic young eagle came in prepared to catch its prey. His talons hit the water, scooped its prey and THEN – well – uh- the eagle didn’t lift off of the water! All forward motion stopped! His talons were stuck beneath the surface because he hooked on a fish much larger than his body could carry. I picked up a pair of binoculars to get a closer view. With his wings still held high in a “V” shape the eagle began to sink into the river. Then, he used his soggy wings to swim to the sandy river bank. Once out of the water, I saw his yellow talons holding a fish about 4 inches long for in his haste to stop the sinking, he let go of the bigger fish and grabbed something to save face. His head darted left and right looking for his eagle buddies wondering,
“Did anybody see that?”
Within a minute, this eagle was surrounded by 4 or 5 more young eagles. They looked at him, his catch and “talked” amongst themselves,
“What happened to that great BIG fish you said you were going to catch?”
“Yeah, couldn’t you handle the weight?”
“We see you caught a little minnow to snack on. Hah-hah.”
The eagles remained on the bank while their embarrassed friend shook to dry his feathers. Fifteen minutes later all of them were back flying together.
Eagles go through growth to build their strength, gain confidence and learn through trial and error. As teenagers, we humans go through a period of trial and error where mistakes are made. We laugh about them with our friends, shake it off, fly off and try again. It’s not easy, but it’s easier when you have people to support and care for you.
As part of youth ministry, we hope to give you opportunities where you can learn and strengthen your abilities as you mature into adulthood. Join us as we fly together.
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