There was a slight crosswind, I’ll give him that, but our pilot seemed rather puffed up after a competent landing. He was rather more self-impressed than was seemly, given that this was his job.

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 01

So perhaps there had been some hydraulic complications. It’s not as though we ran out of coffee!

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 02

Yes, yes, the brakes were a bit soft and we only had four-and-a-half miles of runway to play with.

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 03

Well, we stroked his ego, gave him a biscuit, then we pulled out the photos to show him how it should be done.

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 04

Praise may stimulate towards better performance, but aspiration is the greatest motivator.

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 05

Puff all you want when you can land like this, Captain. Perhaps then you can call for your fly-past

DEN 27Dec15 Bald Eagle 09

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.