lek ee Ue beO Ne eB Ua Beret N 
RHE TEAGBES] NUMBERED SNINE 
There, before us, high in the tall trees of a wooded hillside, 
were six of our most magnificent creatures—six glorious sym- 
bols chosen long ago by a young and vigorous nation to 
represent it—-our great American Bald Eagle. 
Our vehicle, in low gear, crept by the spot while our 
eyes feasted on this rare sight. We were to see nine before we 
left. Three, in free and beautiful flight, were to glide in to 
join the others. Without hesitating as we passed, we journeyed 
further to a high and distant spot where we could enjoy our 
viewing without disturbing the peace of these precious birds. 
Despite the inroads of civilization and the mechanized 
age, our picturesque Illinois valley holds within its folding 
hills many great gifts for those who seek them. 
Within the confines of this great Illinois country are 
many gems of which we should be proud: perhaps, the best 
of these is this beautiful river and the valley which was carved 
by it. 
Summer offers us lonely, hidden paths tucked in between 
the hills, where birds and wildflowers and fungi may still be 
found and enjoyed in quiet solitude. The spots are not many, 
but they are still there. 
It is winter, though, that brings the crowning gift of 
all—tthe Eagles. 
These are more precious now than ever because, for a 
few years, we believed that they were lost to us; but, now, 
they have returned, and one immature gives promise. 
So few! So few left from such a glorious past, but man’s 
tardy awareness of the destruction he has wrought gives 
promise also that what is left of an invaluable heritage may 
be spared. 
——Elizabeth C. Bogan 
1344.2 Hillcrest Pi. 
Peorta 61603 
45 
get away and succeeding. The grackle caught him after a chase of about 
10 feet. The sparrow got away several times before the grackle succeeded 
in killing it. 
During all of this the grackle would sometimes just sit and hold the 
sparrow down, then things would erupt with the sparrow trying to escape 
and the grackle jabbing at his victims. This same grackle made an attempt 
at a mourning dove. Evidently, the sparrows became aware of the danger 
because they became wary when the grackle was awaiting opportunity 
near the feeders. The grackle is gone now... on to better pastures? 
—Virginia Taylor, Wauconda 
