Dallas, Texas

By Jessica Winniford

Editor Caitlin Clark

Early in the morning, as lovely golden streaks of spring morning light flood the dewy earth, two sacred white-headed birds rise to spread their wings and feed their young. Beneath them, shivering, hearts beating, and hands raised, a group of loyal photographers waits in anticipation for Nick and Nora, a pair of bald eagles (and new parents), to move into just the right light, illuminating their majestic 6-foot wingspan.

The daily activity and movement patterns of the birds are discussed in depth as each documentarian shifts their 9-pound, 15.2-inch lens from here to there. Some demand absolute silence as they work to fight for the perfect painting in light, while others chat and invite strangers to peer through their glass elements, equating to nearly $3,000 or more.

The waiting and observing are part of the joy of this practice. Locals come equipped to camp out for as long as they can for a chance to see the pair soar. Some stay for hours, filming and documenting every stage from nest building to egg hatching. One photographer said now is the most crucial time to capture the young eagles because within four to six weeks, they will be off learning to hunt with mom and dad. Soon after, they will fly solo, building their own nest elsewhere. Capturing these radiant birds requires early mornings and lots of patience. Tracking the position of the moon, the exact timing of the sunrise, and weather patterns is studied in depth to cultivate the most stunning juxtaposition of elements.

Once endangered, Texas now has over 160 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles, with Nick and Nora being an especially beloved pair in Dallas. Protected by a bright yellow, coated chain fence, distancing the crowd by hundreds of feet from the foot of their nested tree, these regal new parents are visible for anyone to observe. The best time to capture the family of five altogether is early in the morning, as one parent leaves to hunt around White Rock Lake, while the other protects their young in the nest.

Dallas Park and Recreation will continue hosting its talk series “Conservation Conversations” every Thursday at 8:30 am and 4:30 pm and Saturday at 11 am at White Rock Stone Tables and Playground at 553 E. Lawther during the month of April. (Call 214-671-1293 to confirm the meeting location). Chances of excitement dying down are little to none as each stage of development for the young eagles draws Dallas’ adoring bird watchers and conservationists. And as the young eagles grow and make a home for themselves around White Rock Lake, the eagle population will only continue to grow, making White Rock Lake, and Dallas, a destination for bird enthusiasts nationwide.