Essays

Moseying: Exploring the Natural World

Rescue of a bald eagle resonates with symbolism
December 23, 2009

Late friday evening a farmer, Barbara McDougal Morgan, was driving along a road northeast of Tulia, when she noticed something white with a bunch of cows. She thought it was a cattle egret, but noticed the cows nudging it. Turned out to be a bald eagle that could not fly. She called a friend, who called other friends, and set up for an Amarillo wildlife rescue person to come out and take it to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center...but they had to wait until Saturday morning for light. The eagle was still there, and it is Lubbock now, being treated for respiratory problems. Will it live? That's up in the air, but some folks from up around Tulia and Amarillo sure hope so.   

On Sunday, Ms. Morgan sent me the following on Faceboo: “I happened to glance over at some cattle on a wheat pasture and saw a bird among the cattle. I thought it was a cattle egret because I just saw white. Something made me slow down and take a closer look and that is when I realized it was a bald eagle. I turned around to get another look from the side of the road. I texted my friend Sherry Adkins, a photographer and said, “OMG, I am looking at a bald eagle and I don’t have a camera with me.”

“I sat there for a few minutes watching and Sherry called me. While we were talking I thought something is not right, the cattle were nudging the eagle and it was not trying to get away. I got out of the car and walked towards it and scared the cattle off so they wouldn’t hurt it. I was no more than 15 feet from it and it was just watching me, and not trying to get away. I told Sherry and she said let me call someone, so she called Karen Copeland who called me and got more information, and then Karen called Linda Durante who serves as an Amarillo liaison for the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (in Lubbock).” (The South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is the best rehab center on the Llano Estacado, and should be regionally recognized for all that it does, especially in wildlife education.)

“Between all the phone calls we decided to wait until morning because it was almost dark. All night I kept hoping it would still be there in the morning when Karen and Linda arrived. Saturday morning I had some unexpected company drop in and was unable to meet them to see if it was still there. I told Linda I would be there as soon as I could. By the time I got out there they already had the eagle captured and in a crate ready to head to Lubbock.”

“She was so beautiful sitting with the evening sun on her feathers when I spotted her Friday evening. I was totally amazed -- I have never been that close to a bald eagle in my life! I am glad I sent Sherry the message and that all has turned out well, so far. When she is released, I don’t care where it is, I want to be there to see that amazing bird fly away! Seeing that beautiful bird makes my heart happy -- she is a special symbol of our country and freedom.”

People who so wholeheartedly jump into taking care of a wild animal are to be commended. It is representative of the best parts of being human. This eagle, to me, not only represents our country and what it stands for, but this particular individual bird also represents the generosity within our hearts (as members of the country). It makes me think of other generous people.  

For example, people that give away money are amazing. They change lives, they shape lives, and they truly bless lives. Midland is an incredible place to live. Because of the oil wealth, the philanthropic urge has developed into a network of foundations where local citizens populate the various different boards of directors and boards of advisors. These groups give away other people's money, accrued wealth generated by the oil industry. Foundations have to give a certain percentage of that wealth each year to retain their philanthropic status.

As I get older, this time of year becomes a period of reflection and evaluation.  This year my thoughts keep returning to the memory of one life-changing philanthropic gesture 27 years ago, annual (and sometimes twice a year) philanthropic acts every since, and the quiet man that made it all happen. I also reflect on some of his kind words that gave me confidence. Thank you sir! You have given me an incredible life! I have been so lucky to have you as a mentor.