Recently, my husband Bob and I went to the top of Bell Mountain which is just east of Hiawassee. I had read the view was spectacular––a 360 degree view of the mountains that surround the area, and Lake Chatuge that spreads out through the valley. I had also read that Bald Eagles were frequently seen there, soaring around the mountain’s summit. We were prepared with the camera, the telephoto lens, and my fairly new binoculars. We were set!
However, as we neared the top of the mountain, we drove into heavy fog, and by the time we arrived at the summit, visibility was about 7 feet away. We stood on the top observation deck for well over an hour, watching as the fog would partially clear just long enough for us to recognize how good the view could be.
After more than an hour, the fog began to break up a little at the top and we were able to watch a Black Vulture circling, obviously looking for something. A Black Vulture cannot compare to a Bald Eagle, but at that point, we were excited to see anything.
After about 20 minutes or so of watching the vulture, I just happened to glance over and see a flash of yellow. I grabbed my binoculars, found the yellow flash and saw, for the first time ever, a pair of Cedar Waxwings. That may not seem like a big deal, but to us, it was a spectacular sight. In all honesty, the Cedar Waxwings were far more spectacular to us than the 360 degree view that was beginning to emerge.
I’ve pondered that moment for several days now. We were in a beautiful place expecting to see spectacular scenery. We were ready to see what we had come prepared to see. We had done our research; we knew what to expect.
But God gave us so much more. He surprised us with the unexpected. He out-did spectacular with one of the most beautiful birds we have ever seen. And, once again God demonstrated His glory through a remarkable creature of His creation. God continues to amaze and astound us. Who knew that birding could be so thrilling!
