The day began at a half hour before sunrise as we loaded the pickup for a drive to New Rockford for our annual deer hunting opener weekend.

My wife and I were a mere 60 miles into our 140-mile trip when I looked up the highway and saw a field of white appearing before us.

When we approached, 20,000 snow geese were cackling and feeding just outside of the right of way. What an astounding sight. We pulled to the side of the road, grabbed the binoculars and gazed in amazement.

Later that morning, another two large flocks of snow geese arrived in New Rockford.

The next day was filled with walking numerous cattail-choked wetlands looking for a few white-tailed deer. The deer numbers appeared to be extremely low this year, as nearly everything we hunted had no deer present.

Numerous corn fields were standing, providing the much needed food and shelter that deer need. After day two of hunting, we had filled three tags, providing fresh venison for our bellies.

After our hunts, my family and I decided to go for a drive out in the country near my uncle's farm. Near the farm, something caught my attention high in the sky directly above the farm. It was a pair of bald eagles soaring high in the clear blue sky.

There was very little wind and the heat waves were shimmering this way and that, providing great lift for the eagles.

This time of year, bald eagles are a normal part of the scenery across much of North Dakota. These eagles migrate from areas typically north of the border.

Some of these birds will stay here in the state year-round, while some will migrate further south. The birds that do stay here will typically be found along the major waterways, primarily open water areas such as that near the Garrison Dam and other fast water areas along the Missouri River.

I've seen other birds foraging throughout the winters here along major deer habitats where they will eat many winter-killed and vehicle-crashed deer.

Bald eagles are one of the most majestic creatures that inhabit our magnificent state. Their bright white head and tail feathers stand out like the North Star in the darkest of nights.

They soar with ease, and circle above for everyone to observe. It is such a wonderful creature that our founding fathers of this great country named the bald eagle as our national bird and symbol and they decided to protect the bird to their utmost abilities.

The sight of a soaring bald eagle gives people a sense of pride in their country and unites those who need the encouragement to continue to fight for our rights to be free.

Thank you to our service men and women. We are truly grateful for your service and dedication to this great country.

So, while many people take to the fields this fall, I encourage each and everyone to take a look to the skies and look for the majestic bald eagle circling above.

If you're in dire need of finding some eagles, take a look along the Missouri River and head north to the Garrison Dam. You should see plenty on your way up to and at the site.

Good luck in your fall endeavors and keep the eyes open and remember those who gave us this right to be free and do as we please to enjoy our great outdoors.

(Dan Ackerman is an environmental scientist with the North Dakota Department of Transportation.)