This week’s Friday Fictioneers picture prompt from Krista Strutz, showing an Eagle, is a reminder to me of the constant struggle in Scotland. The Golden Eagle and numbers of other birds of prey are in decline and the efforts to encourage them to flourish are not popular. The birds prey on game, partridge and grouse, and sometimes young lambs and the idea of striking a balance between the wildlife and people’s livelihood is controversial.
Stuffed Bald Eagle–Trophy
John stood transfixed and his heart rate fluttered.
At first, he let the paddle board drift as he watched the eagle land so close.
The magnificent creature stared at him, as if deciding whether he was a threat.
He remained calm and tried to hold the board against the current. He had never been so close to a Bald Eagle, and he savoured every second.
Some people would pay a fortune for this trophy stuffed and on display.
Would people believe him? He wanted to shoot it and prove them wrong.
However, he had left his camera-kit in the car.
James McEwan 
Nice play on the word “shoot”
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I was just about to shout ‘no’! Nice misdirect James!
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I feel sad for the birds of prey kept captive in the Zoo, let them fly, I say.
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Here here.
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funny, i thought he wanted to shoot it dead with a gun. 🙂
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Still, he never got his photo, or did he have the chance to rush to the car, get his camera and come back.? Was the eagle waiting for him?
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Very relieved he wanted a photo! 🙂
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Afraid, he missed that one. Thank you.
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Isn’t that the way it goes, camera battery dead or forgotten when you come upon the perfect shot. I also like how you used shoot here.
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Yep, even annoying when the spare battery has been used by someone else, and they didn’t tell you. Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Interesting how it could be ‘shoot to kill’ or ‘shoot to capture the memory’.
Are bald eagles only in America? Do you know?
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I believe they habitat mostly the coastal area from Mexico to Alaska. But maybe found inland around large lakes. Not the expert. Thanks for reading.
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Nice twist at the end!
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Well we must save our natural wildlife, when we can.
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I know the feeling when you have to stand still just looking at God’s creatures. You never know if they are assessing you and deciding your character.. Great stuff
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Many thanks. The worse one I had was with a bull in a field–its okay, they said–tell the bull, I said.
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Dear James,
Dontcha hate missing those photo ops? Love the misdirect. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you.
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I’m relieved it was his camera he wanted to shoot it with 🙂
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I’m sure the eagle was too. Thanks.
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What a relief! Great misdirection.
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Thank you.
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Oh, those lost opportunities that make you want to scream from frustration. At least, he has the memory of seeing it. Love the ending twist.
Isadora 😎
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Thank you. If only he kept his camera with him.
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I’m glad he appreciated being close to the eagle rather than just appreciating its value as a trophy.
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Me too. Thank you.
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Whew! You set us up nicely for that one!
pax,
dora
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Oh this is great. There’s a heavy sense of anticipation as the stand-off continues. I’m glad it was just his camera he wanted to shoot with!
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It is always the same, when a once in a while opportunity comes along; are you ready?
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