The 12 Steps of the Molting Eagle
A very unusual aspect of the eagle, which is not known too much about, is the molting process it goes through toward the end of its life. Scientists tell us that when an eagle gets older, it goes through what is called a molting process. This is probably one of the least researched and most misunderstood aspects of an eagle. Because this molting takes place in private, there have been very few studies done on an eagle actually going through the molting process.
However, the story the researchers give goes something like this:
1.Over time, the beak and talons of an eagle become encrusted with calcium. Thus, they are not as sharp as they once were.
2.Their feathers become weighed down with dirt and oil. When these things take place, it obviously hinders their ability to hunt effectively. With all of the dirt and oil on its feathers, an eagle will begin to “whistle” while it is diving on its prey. With this sound coming from a bird, it makes hunting ineffective because the prey can hear them coming and have more time to run and hide before they are snatched up.
3. When an eagle gets to this point in its life, it will descend from the heights above and go to a rock below.
4. Through the molting process, the eagle begins to lose its feathers by plucking them out one by one.
5. Not only will an eagle pluck out all of its feathers, it will actually break off its beak by smashing it on a rock.
6. It will rub its talons on the rock to rub them down until they are nubbins.
7. Its vision is even said to be impaired, so they don’t have as keen as eyesight as before.
8. At this point, the eagle becomes weak, vulnerable, and defenseless.
9. Many eagles die during this point in life because they can not hunt for themselves and they can’t protect themselves against predators.
10. During this time, many eagles become dependent on their companion eagles for sustenance and nourishment.
11. If they can survive the shame and exposure that molting produces, then the stripping process will pave the way for the eagle to become greater and stronger than it was before.
12. It is during this time that a wonderful thing happens to those who survive. Their feathers, beak, and talons begin to grow back with greater vigor than ever before. Their beak and talons will be as sharp as ever and they will once again take to the skies. They will have acquired revitalized youth that they hadn’t possessed since they were younger.
Dear soaring friend, if you are in a season of molting, pleased be encouraged that God will bring renewal and will send others who have been through it, to help you soar again–except it will be higher than ever.
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