11:eleven Photography

Recently I had the opportunity to find out.

But let’s back up a second. I wasn’t out there looking for the answer to an age old question. I was out there to snag a good photo of the eagle. It had been frequenting the South Yuba, just upriver from the covered bridge at Bridgeport. This location is about a half mile or so as the eagle flies.

I had been lucky enough to see it on two earlier visits, yet both times I was not prepared. During the first visit, I had no idea it was even out there. I came only set up with a macro lens for wildflower photography. Surprise, eagle!

The second visit to Bridgeport I was again set up for wildflowers. What were the chances of seeing the eagle again? Surprise, eagle!

What are the odds? I figured it must have made a nest near by and would be becoming a regular at this location. So, I made plans to go back with the proper set up.

I set out. I’ve got the right lens. I’ve got the right attitude. I’m using my eagle eye.

I’m walking. Walking still. Walking further. Now at this point I’ve walked further than where I spotted the eagle in the past. But if I stop short and find out I just didn’t walk far enough I’m going to be sad. So I see it all the way to the end. The end of the road brings a feeling of sadness, as the eagle is nowhere to be seen. But that’s the way she goes sometimes, right? Eagles don’t concern themselves with what people want. I can respect that.

So off we go, heading back. Still slightly hopeful, maybe desperate, I don’t know, I stop occasionally to scan the trees for the eagle. About halfway back as I’m scanning the tree line, a movement closer to the water catches my eye. I look down and it’s a gosh darn bear! Now, I don’t know about you. But, I’ve never seen a bear at the Yuba. It’s especially unusual to spot one so close to the swimming holes. I watched as the bear came out of the brush along the river to get a drink. It sat down in the river to cool off. Then it lumbered back up the hillside. The bear disappeared into the brush again.

I never did get an official answer to the age old question, but my guts say yes.