This is how it started for me. On the morning of February 5, I walked down the 40 Acre Lake trail at BBSP. I passed Hoot's Hollow and continued towards the observation tower. On the way I met the Bird Hike group where I spoke with David Heinicke and John Bradford. David and John and the bird hikers got to see a Bald Eagle from 40-acre lake pier. They were telling me about it--still during their hike--when the eagle made another appearance, and we all got to watch it hovering at height of the rice, and scaring the bejabbers out of various waterfowl. I was able to film a little of this, but it was pretty far away. Still, I was excited about seeing the eagle. The birders went on, and I moved to the tower, where Greg, a photographer who frequently visits the park, came up. Then, for no particular reason, Greg and I talked and just looked out over Pilant Lake and the general area of the Observation tower. We stayed there for about 5 hours. During the day, the eagle came back, about 5 or 6 times. I actually lost count. It seemed to always appear from the direction of the far treeline on Pilant Lake (North of the our position), and would fly up towards the Mile Stretch (South). HOW COOL IS THAT? Throughout the day, Northern Harriers could be seen skimming above the tips of the rice fields. Twice, we got to watch as one, then another of the Great Blue Herons picked up a large siren and ate it. On one of the eagle flybys, another raptor, an Osprey, began to harrass the eagle, flying above it and dropping down at the eagle. Finally, the eagle had enough, and flew up towards the Harrier. They finally went out of sight to the North over the far treeline. A King Rail sauntered by. At another time (remember this is ALL DURING THE SAME DAY), some park visitors were talking to us, and one of them expressed disappointment at not seeing an American Bittern. Not long after this comment (maybe 5 minutes??) Greg looked to the left, and an American Bittern was doing the "ninja step" across the trail, going from 40 Acre Lake to Pilant Lake, and not more than 20 yards away. So, the no-longer disappointed visitors rushed over to see it. On another one of the eagle flyovers, it passed over us, quite high, and then when it was over the corner of 40 Acre Lake, it turned back towards us and began diving towards the lake, looking like it might be targeting something in the water just a little south west of the wooden bridge. This put the eagle right where I was almost looking into the sun--so a camera was useless. Still, I could see its talons extended as it briefly descended. But, it broke off, still far above the highest tree, and flew back and continued south. Finally, I guess around 3 o'clock, Greg decided to go look at Horseshoe Lake, and I decided to head back to the VC. I saw him stop at the culvert (yes, the one right by the tower)and squat down and start shooting (turns out he was trying to get a snipe), and I decided to try to shoot photos of the Bittern that had passed by before. I found the Bittern, and as I was moving around a tree to get a better angle, I had a feeling, and I looked up. The Eagle was making another pass, and was flying straight towards me; but still out at the edge of the clearing in the rice. I wanted to move back, and looked down to be sure of my footing. I looked up, and I'd lost sight of the eagle. I got back up on the trail quickly, and looked just in time to see the eagle flying over the trail on just the other side of the Observation Tower. I watched it go by, let my eyes track down, and there was Greg pointing his camera up. He GOT it! What a cool day! You can see some of Greg's pictures from that day here: http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/bald_eagle There are 7 pictures on that page. I'm pretty sure the first 6 were taken Feb. 5. There's a flock of waterfowl panicked by the approach of the eagle from the above background; 2 shots of the Osprey and Eagle; and 3 shots of the eagle on that last approach as it flew over Greg. That was just the start. On EVERY weekend (4 Sundays in a row) since then I've been able to see the Bald Eagle at least once. I've also been able to watch the Harriers fying by. I've also been able to see Red-Shouldered Hawks hunting. And finally, I was able to see an Osprey hunting, and even got a far view of a successful dive and capture. I'm not a "birder", that is, a person with a strong interest in birds. I believe I've stated that here before. But, like many people, I'm awed by the beauty, majesty and power of the raptors. Where ANYWHERE can one go to see so many types of wild raptors actively hunting in their natural home? It's been terrific!