This photo was taken during a cold, freezing winter day at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area near Columbia Missouri. My husband and I had been out photographing a variety of birds hoping to see an eagle. We quickly went to a place someone had told us of an eagle nest. We waited and soon saw an eagle flying in for a landing on a branch beside its nest. As it came in for a landing I was impressed by the ability of the eagle to maintain balance and a sense of where to land among the branches of the tree. It then stared out confidently and without fear as its photo was taken. What a magnificent bird who can easily stare you down with its piercing eyes. I can see why this is our American symbol.