Nature celebrates Jesus resurrection

I wanted to write this hub because of what has happened each Easter Sunday around our backyard for the past few years. Each Easter Sunday numerous eagles are known to gather at the edge of our cliff area and perform amazing flying acts. I believe they are celebrating the special day of our Lord's resurrection.

The first time we noticed it was in 2006. It was Easter morning, April 16th, my husband and I were getting ready for church. All of a sudden we heard numerous eagles making a lot of noise in our backyard. Our backyard faces the water, with views of Saratoga Passage and Camano Island - beautiful views. There must have been about 13 eagles and they were doing all kinds of aerobatics. They were pretending to land on the water, extending their talons and then taking off again. Then others were chasing each other and twirling in the sky. Wow - we ran and got the camera but since it was still a bit dark outside we did not get the best photos we would have liked, but thank goodness for adobe photo shop - I was able to lighten them and add blue skies to some as well.

It is also said that the Bald Eagle courtship involves elaborate and beautiful nuptial displays, both calls and aerobatics, including cartwheels, roller-coaster swoops, and chases. Male and female bald eagles generally mate for life. Recent research shows that the birds sometimes change partners, however. The most dramatic courtship behavior witnessed in bald eagles is called “cartwheeling.” A potential pair flies to a great height then locks their talons together, plunging toward earth as they spin out of control. They break away just before they hit the ground, then soar upward to repeat the death-defying ritual. We witnessed this behavior that day.

This was the most amazing eagle performance we had ever seen. We believe they were celebrating our Savior's resurrection. They were rejoicing and praising God like we do. When my husband and I looked at each other we both knew what today represented and why the eagles were celebrating. We both began to laugh and started praising God. Of course others would believe that it is also eagle matting season, so they perform for that purpose as well.

April 8th, 2007 - Easter Sunday - the same thing happened and we actually were already prepared for it. We were even more excited this time because it confirmed the fact that nature does rejoice in the things of God. He is their creator too. They know they have a God in heaven who takes care of them. I cannot in words describe the feeling that one gets when you see these birds as beautiful as they are - playing, rejoicing, flying twirling in the air and praising our beloved Savior.

March 23, 2008 - Easter Sunday - we were getting ready for church once again but we were very dissapointed because we had not seen the eagles out there. But deep down inside I knew the reason. Easter came a few weeks earlier this year, it came the end of March and not in mid April such as in prior years. We left for church and had a great service, but deep down we were missing something.

A few weeks later on April 13th, on a Sunday, well the eagles returned and Larry and I were so excited to see them. I believe that the eagles have their own built in calendar unlike the one we go by which changes. It's happened every year since and this coming Easter Sunday will be no different. We so look forward to watching these eagles celebrate Easter, or mate, or maybe it's both. I leave that for you to decide. Have a blessed Easter and enjoy the photos.

Luke 24:46-47 ESV
And (Jesus) said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem".

1 Corinthians 15:16-20 ESV
For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Paul’s Summary of the Easter Story in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Romans 8:11 ESV
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Ephesians 1:20-21 ESV
That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

It is a day to rejoice in the Lord for all that he has done....It is finished!