As a young naturalist growing up, one of my favorite books was the large, Birds of America, edited by Pearson and John Burrows, and published in 1917 and 1936. In this volume, Burrows sums up my feelings about the bald eagle: He draws great lines across the sky; he sees the forests like a carpet beneath him, he sees the hills and valleys as folds and wrinkles in a many colored tapestry; dignity, elevation, repose are his. I would have my thoughts take as wide a sweep. I would be as far removed from the petty cares and turmoil of this noisy and blustering world. - RB