Witt’s End

As every seasoned birder knows, you should always be prepared for anything and everything when you’re out on the trail. Basics kit, like binoculars and camera, along with a notebook and pen, should be second (or first) nature. A couple days ago I was not prepared; no binoculars, no camera, nothing, when I had an up-close and personal encounter with an American Bald Eagle—sort of.

Here’s what happened: I was out taking my daily health walk on the nearby hike and bike trail. I was on the home stretch, thinking about a cup of tea since it was 24 degrees and windy, when about 50 yards ahead of me I saw a bald eagle coming straight for me. The bird was flying at eye level, pumping like crazy, trying to get some altitude. Gorgeous white head, black body and wings—the symbol of America coming right to me!

I froze in place, the “flight or fight” messages passed through my brain, sending mixed signals to my thinning blood. All I could manage in the thought category was, “I hope this critter knows what she’s doing and gets a bit higher.”

The bird was about 25 feet away when it suddenly banked right. I was going to yell, “chicken” when I realized it was not a bald eagle. It was a basic American Crow carrying a sandwich-size piece of white bread.

One of the joys of travel is that sometimes you’re in the right spot at the right time. Too often you’re not—as in, “ya shoulda been here yesterday.” Well, for Susan and I, along with our friends Bobb and Kathy Barnes, on Indigenous People’s Day this past October, we were spot on. Santa Fe, New Mexico, hosted its second annual tribal nations Powwow. Twenty-three tribes, Nations and Pueblos in New Mexico were present. The Plaza area was filled with music, dancing and native crafts. The sights and sounds were overwhelming as dancers and drummers entertained for hours. Surrounding the Plaza area, tables of native crafts and foods were displayed. The costumes of the dancers, some ranging in cost of more than three thousand dollars were the highlight for thousands of people gathered for the celebration. And while it might seem like this was a glimpse into the past, it’s real every day life for Indigenous People in this country.

Congress created Cuyahoga Valley National Park on December 27, 1974, by passing Public Law 93-555. That moment capped off decades of people treasuring the valley for outdoor recreation and working for its protection. By 1974, some parts had already become parkland. Other locations were in private ownership. Many places showed the scars of heavy land use. In the 50 years since park establishment, people have worked hard to renew our natural and cultural resources. The valley has been transformed into a vibrant, healthier landscape enjoyed by millions each year.

In honor of our 50th anniversary year in 2025, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is highlighting 50 key events that help define who and what we are. They showcase the many partners that have come together to preserve open space, create opportunities for recreation, clean up pollution, restore habitats, and save historic resources. These moments demonstrate the power that people have when we work together for the wellbeing of current and future generations.

Most of the events focus on the big things in the park; miles of trails, iconic bridges–old and new, and diversity of animals. I opted to take a closer look at some of the small things the park has to offer.