One of the coolest things about living in a semi-rural area like Watsonville is the abundance of wildlife that's all around us: A day doesn't go buy when you don't spot a red-tailed hawk on the hunt. And it's uncommon to *not* see quail or rabbits during a drive (or a run) out on Calabasas.
After the shift change at dusk, we're always lulled to sleep by acres of frogs and crickets near the bend of Buena Vista Drive by the airport, while coyotes howl and bark in the foothills near Hecker Pass.
But it's the unusual that really catches your attention. A few months back, a praying mantis graced us with his (her?) prescence in our backyard. That was a first.
And yesterday, after a long fun weekend of gigs—hosting a sold out Keith Greeninger show in Corralitos on Friday, playing a fun set at Trail Dust BBQ in Morgan Hill on Saturday, and then playing in church on Sunday morning—I saw another first: I looked up, and over Green Valley Road, I thought the sun was playing tricks on my and glaring off a hawk. Then I realized I was looking at a bald eagle. A huge bald eagle. (I could estimate its size, but I'd embarrassingly overestimate it. Let's just say it was a big bird.)
I was born and raised here. This was the first time I've ever seen a bald eagle in Watsonville. And me without my camera. I posted a quick comment on Facebook. Some other folks have seen this bird as well, near Kelly Lake.
So that's sorta the point of this post: Has anyone else spotted this gorgeous bird flying over south county? If so, were you lucky enough to snap a picture?
