A Sudden Commotion In The Cold Water
The dark wings beat against the gray surface, throwing spray into the overcast air as the raptor kicked through the choppy lake.
Its white-feathered head remained low to the waterline, dipping forward with every heavy stroke.
Water soaked deep into its plumage, weighing down the broad wings that were never built for swimming.
From the deck of the small red boat, a man in a green jacket shifted his weight toward the gunwale.
He stopped the motor, letting the craft drift closer across the rippling surface until the bird was only feet away.
Reaching Across The Edge
The man crouched low, planting his knees firmly against the gray carpeting of the boat deck.
He extended his bare right hand outward, fingers spread open, hovering just above the swirling water.
The eagle kept paddling, its yellow beak pointed slightly downward as water poured over its shoulders.
Rather than pulling back, the man lowered both hands beneath the surface, slipping his palms under the heavy, sodden body.
Cold lake water rushed up his sleeves as he found purchase beneath the bird’s chest and lower torso.
The bird did not strike out with its hooked beak; it simply ceased thrashing as the solid support took its weight.
With a slow, controlled heave, the man stood upward from his crouch.
Lifting The Heavy Wings
Water streamed off the eagle’s dark flight feathers in thick sheets, splashing back down against the lake.
The bird’s bright yellow talons dangled loose above the red metal rim of the boat before finding solid ground.
Carefully, the man guided the immense bird forward over the edge, easing its weight down onto the flat carpeted floor.
His hands rested against the bird’s back for another second, stabilizing the sodden frame until its feet gripped the textured deck.
Once sure the eagle had its balance, he slowly withdrew his fingers and stepped back.
The bird shook its head, droplets flying in small arcs across the fiberglass panels.
Resting On The Boat Deck
Standing upright beside a row of black fishing rods, the bald eagle spread its massive yellow feet wide against the carpet.
Its chest heaved in steady, deliberate breaths as the damp feathers slowly settled against its sides.
The pale, sharp eyes blinked against the wind, turning toward the distant tree-lined shore and back to the cockpit.
Drops of water pooled beneath its claws on the gray flooring as the vessel gently rocked in the waves.
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