It's Saturday, Jan. 26. The sun is shining brightly, and the sky is a beautiful shade of blue. The river is frozen over in most spots, with a few pools of open water between the bridge and dam in Rock Falls.

I look to the sky only to see the most beautiful sight one could have only imagined several years ago. Not just one, but several eagles, soaring up and down the river in search of a meal.

Watching an eagle dive with outstretched talons, grab a fish, and fly to a tree to eat its catch is amazing. What made it even more exciting was personally photographing the moment. As cold as it was that day, it was worth being out there to get some great pictures.