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5/21/2005 - New college building could be great for county

Riding near Airplane Island last weekend, I saw an eagle. He lifted off a limb in what appeared to be a dead tree and soared high above the tree line until he was out of sight.

While it was not the first eagle I have seen in Central Alabama, it was the first on Lake Mitchell. He (or she) appeared to be a bald eagle in that I could see white head feathers.

A few years ago while I was fishing on Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, I saw a very large nest at the top of a large dead pine tree. After watching the nest a few minutes I saw a huge bird soaring high above the nest.

As I moved closer to the tree that contained the nest, an eagle darted down and took a good look at me to make sure I was no threat to the nest. I've seen a couple of eagles on Lake Martin already this year. Every time I take extra time to watch the majestic bird.

The bald eagle was selected to be our nation's emblem on June 20, 1782 because of its majestic looks and its strength. It suggests a boundless spirit of freedom as it easily glides through the air, afraid of no other animal in nature.

At the time of its selection, however, everyone didn't agree. In fact, Benjamin Franklin was dead against selecting the eagle. He favored the American turkey.

Now no one will hear me saying the turkey is not a noble bird. In fact, it probably is one of the smartest birds. But it is bad ugly.

I just can't imagine the turkey on the nation's Great Seal or on the back of various coins. I'm sure some of my turkey-hunting friends will disagree with me on the issue.

The bald eagle was placed on the endangered species list but it appears they have rebounded and their numbers will take them off the list at some point.

In the past 10 years a number of different birds, especially ducks, geese and a few fish cranes, have taken residence in our system of lakes and rivers in Central Alabama. But to me, none are as beautiful as the bald eagle in flight.

When you are on the lake this summer, spend some time looking at the tree lines and you, too, might catch a glimpse of our national emblem.

Note: Mike Kelley is the publisher for The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Sunday.

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