Southern Ontario has witnessed the return of the majestic Bald Eagle. Once endangered, this raptor has made a surprising recovery. Declining numbers in the 70’s, resulted from exposure to DDT pesticides used by farmers, this chemical weakened the eggshells and prevented eagles from reproducing successfully.

Their successful recovery today is attributed to a number of factors including law enforcement of the 1972 ban on DDT, breeding and reintroduction programs, as well as habitat and nest protection.

Equally surprising is the discovery in recent years of old growth White Cedars clinging to life along rocky outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment. Recent measurements on these trees found some between 700-1000 years old. Having survived the ravages of forest fires, logging and settlement clearings, these trees are also survivors.

Immature Bald Eagle picture here scans for prey from a White Cedar fastened to cliff side rocks of an escarpment. Wings are in motion, spreading outward for flight. The surrounding landscape ascends the picture plain with power as scarred, weathered rock and billowing storm clouds build upward.

The painting underlines the successful survival of both the Bald Eagle and the White Cedar Tree. Both endured hardships and both have clung to life successfully.