My favorite symbol of the 4th of July.
In recent years and for various reasons the Bald Eagle has moved to the fore as my personal preferred symbol of the 4th of July, eclipsing both the American flag and fireworks. As symbols of strength, courage, freedom and immortality Bald Eagles have come to represent qualities I like to associate with the history of the USA, without the baggage of some of the other traditional symbols.
1/4000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
And this is one of my favorite Bald Eagle photos, in part because of the wing position, how well the white head is isolated against the darker plumage and the look of steely determination on the eagle’s face. The photo was taken years ago at Farmington Bay WMA as the eagle was coming in to land on the ice amongst other scrappy eagles with chips on their shoulders, possibly accounting for the grim but determined look on ‘his’ face. If the photo looks familiar it’s probably because I included it in Feathered Photography’s all-time most popular blog post.
I’ll admit, for much of my early life and like too many of us, the 4th of July was more about fireworks and having days off from school or work than it was about patriotism. But as an older adult when I learned that one of my direct Dudley ancestors, Private Stephen Dudley from Gilmanton, New Hampshire, fought in Stark’s Regiment at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June of 1775, the 4th of July and all it stands for became much more personal. And meaningful. Thankfully, Stephen wasn’t killed, wounded or captured, as so many were.
So, I wish my readers a happy and safe 4th of July and I hope we all remember what the holiday is meant to commemorate. And please, if you must use fireworks, be smart about it. Late last night, on the mountainside directly behind Centerville, Utah and close to Farmington Bay WMA, a fast-moving wildfire was sparked that is still out of control as of this writing.
And I’d bet dollars to chocolate donuts that its cause was fireworks related. I hope I’m wrong.
Ron
Update: Fireworks are now “suspected” to be the cause of the fire.
“Police said Monday one car was on the road where the fire is believed to have started, and a sergeant got the license plate number before the car left the scene.”
The Eagle shot is gorgeous. Happy 4th, a bit late. I got busy with family yesterday and just catching up today. Yes, you were right the fire was fireworks caused. It was the hill to the south of my parents house. That hill side and the one by the Viewmont V have burned often in my lifetime. They are areas of more human use. Deuel Creek is in the news a lot lately! There is a reservoir at the base of the hill where the water is collected for irrigation and watering. The helicopters used the water to extinguish the fires so there will probably be more watering restrictions for users. My parents are on Deuel water for their yard.
Your family is amazing, Ron. I hope that you’re either writing or recording your family’s history for your grandson. Something like that would be among my most prized possessions.
Thank you for sharing your family and your photography with us.💙❤️💙
Hoping it’s a quiet night here — unfortunately, if the past few nights are any indication, it won’t be. (And our city outlaws “personal” fireworks.)
Marty, don’t get me going on fireworks. I’m not a fan.
Yes, I’ve shared much of what I’ve discovered about my ancestors with my family, including with Ryan.
Beautiful photo and post. Thank you.
Dollars to doughnuts? Many cost more than a dollar now!
Richard, if they’re chocolate they’re worth it.
Great photo! So much to like about this one.
Your family goes way back. Mine did not come over from Europe till around the civil war days.
Happy 4th Ron.
Michael, I’ve had a lot of fun with my family history in recent years. I’m lucky – because of some of my better-known ancestors much of my family history, especially the older stuff, has already been researched and is available on the web. But I’ve had to dig most of the more recent stuff up on my own.
A very Happy 4th to you and all your readers. Heading off to check that earlier post now.
Thanks, EC. Hope you enjoy but you of all people will have seen it before.
I have and I did enjoy it. Thank you.
Interesting reading, all around! I’m curious, though, Jeremiah Dudley Jr. was listed just above Stephen, are you sure he’s not also a relative? Thanks for all the links … even to the fire, which I hope is well-contained by now. Keeping my fingers crossed that we can stay relatively fire-free this summer (though I know that’s an impossible dream).
Happy 4th! 🦅
Chris, I noticed Jeremiah too. I don’t think he’s related but it’s possible.
But I know he wasn’t a direct paternal ancestor like Stephen was. I’m actually directly descended from four consecutive Stephen Dudleys in a row in that era.
And then, about a hundred years later, there were three Joseph Smith Dudley’s in a row, beginning in 1851 with the now infamous “Killer Joe” (I’m only directly descended from the first one.) I guess the Dudley’s don’t have much imagination when it comes to naming their kids… 🙂
Isn’t it funny how families are? My parents named my big brother after our paternal great-grandfather (though not middle name), but that was it for “tradition,” there were just a handful of relatives on either side of family with names of ancestors that I know of, and they’re gone now. No senior, junior, III or IV anywhere (nor for females). So, more imaginative, I guess. Ha!
I had to laugh at the feet on this Bald Eagle. With almost no talons showing, they look like shriveled up primate baby toes.
Like Frances, I went down the rabbit hole. I feel like I just finished my morning classes in history, Bald Eagle maturation, and (wrist) anatomy. You just can’t quit teaching.
“You just can’t quit teaching.”
Teaching gets in your blood, Lyle. At least it got into mine. And these days, after retirement, Feathered Photography is the perfect outlet for me.
That is really a great photo!
I also agree with your sentiments on the bald eagle as a preferred symbol for the 4th.
Thanks, Duane. And good.
Happy 4th Ron! And once again I am down a rabbit hole. I loved the eagle pictures so I checked out your earlier post. The next post after that was about a butt shot so of course I looked at that. You explained there about the human wrist not being able to rotate. Well that is just wrong. So I checked that out and of course you are correct – great article about the wrist and drumming – so much more to the wrist – wrist widget – explains it nicely. So I wave my wrist but not in a circular way in greetings and appreciation.
Made me smile, Frances. Thank you.
Once again I find myself educated after reading your blog. I followed the link to the all-time most popular entry and then to its update. I occasionally see eagles but never get a close enough look to appreciate the details. You illustrated the development stages beautifully and I was happy to learn how to distinguish between the Bald and Golden Eagles.
Excellent, Linda! And I’m glad you followed the link to the update.
I’m so happy that you posted your “all-time favorite” collection–I hadn’t ever
seen it, and it’s a wonderful accomplishment, to have captured all those nuances of development of one species in images which are stand alones–
not just “grabs”– you’ve accomplished an awful lot, in what has been a
relatively short–as opposed to a lifelong–artistic career. Here’s to ALL kinds
of “independence” , especially to artistic pursuit !
I’m glad you finally saw that post, Kris. I continue to be surprised, even after 9 years, by how many views I get on that post. And the update to that post.
Happy 246th 4th of July greetings to all. Love this one Ron and certainly appropriate for our 4th. Relatives of our William Prescott for whom our city is named fought courageously with your relative Private Dudley in that same battle.
The eagle looks like he is flying down there to kick butts. Outstanding photo.
I don’t think I became a follower of the blog till well after that 2013 one was posted. Exceptional post and glad you added it today. Some of the best juvenile photos I have seen.
Everett, since I learned about Stephen’s history with the Battle of Bunker Hill I’ve done quite a lot more research on it. In my ignorance I used to think, or just assumed, that it was a relatively minor ‘skirmish’ but I sure was wrong.
I used to see Eagles often in northern NH, and once saw one cooling itself in the very shallow, narrow Ammonoosuc River. I have seen them here in RI from time to time, and the other day saw one being chased by two Herring Gulls along the Seekonk River in Providence. I upgraded to a Nikon Coolpix P 950 a few months ago and I’m getting better photos, but not in your league! I enjoy seeing your wonderful photos first thing every day. Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words, Noel. And I’m glad you’re seeing eagles in your area.
Happy 4th. I also agree with appropriate symbol for the 4th and the need to ponder what it’s REALLY about always but particularly in the current troubled times. A personal connection to it all does bring it closer.
Already VERY dry in areas, including ours, of MT. DNRC had a dozen lightening caused fires around Helena a day or so ago. Then flash flooding last evening. I expect fireworks caused fires today/tonight.
Judy, I opened the link you posted to the video of flooding in Helena. There’s something ironic about the combination of drought, fires and flooding in your general area recently
It’s crazy alright……….no happy mediums……..
Man, I couldn’t agree more with your first statement!
BTW – Vermont didn’t have nesting Bald Eagles until 10-12 years ago. Our family spent the day by the lake yesterday and had wonderful views of an adult Bald Eagle. Very appropriate for the day before the 4th!!
That’s neat about your Bald Eagle, Dick. Excellent timing too.