Northern California photographer Jim Duckworth captured this beautiful, and poignant, shot at his favorite California state park. “The photo was taken from my sea kayak in the early morning light,” recalls Jim, “just after putting in for a day of paddling and photography at Ahjumawi Lava Springs California State Park, the only state park that has to be accessed by boat, usually a canoe or kayak. The state park signs are out in the water to identify the park boundaries. The huge bald eagle dove out of the sky above me and landed on the sign approximately 150 feet in front of me, something I had never seen in dozens of times paddling there. I took approximately 25 shots as my kayak slowly glided through the water toward the eagle. That was a once in a lifetime shot, and a fantastic experience. I hope people enjoy it."

Jim is an active retiree who enjoys the outdoor life. During his working years he was a professional baseball pitcher for 11 years, including 4 years in the Major Leagues with the Washington Senators. He also spent 25 years with the California Highway Patrol, where he retired as a lieutenant. He is married and has five grown children. His wife, Kaydee, is an accomplished artist in Redding who works with watercolors, oil, acrylic, and collage.