There was an incredible moment in our backyard in Hamburg, New York this week as a beautiful bald eagle, a true symbol of freedom, took off right before our eyes.

I absolutely love seeing eagles! However, I haven’t really seen many in the wild, and certainly never in our backyard. I was just hanging out at the house with the kids when I noticed what looked like an eagle landing in the field behind our home. It appeared to swoop down as if it had spotted some prey and maybe a little afternoon snack.

Bald Eagle Flies Through Hamburg, New York

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden

I grabbed my phone, hoping to catch at least a quick glimpse before it flew away. I never imagined what would happen next! The eagle suddenly took flight and came soaring directly toward our back door, giving us an amazing show of its wide wingspan and striking white feathers.

The bald eagle is one of the most powerful symbols of freedom in America. I even have an eagle tattoo on my arm — that’s how much I respect what it stands for. Seeing one in our own backyard was a true thrill, as you can probably tell from the video I was able to capture.

Was I a little over the top with my excitement? Maybe. But it was one of those unforgettable moments… not just cool to see, but something really special to share with the kids.

I’ve said it many times: living here in Western New York, we are blessed with incredible wildlife. From big whitetail bucks passing through the yard, to foxes, and even white squirrels, there’s always something to see. Adding a bald eagle to that list is something truly special — and just another reminder of how amazing it is to live close to nature.