“Golden Eagles of the Albanian Mountain Peaks”

by Harvey Bodach

Original Painting, Acrylics on Masonite Board

43.25” x 27”

Floating Wood Frame

45.25” x 29”

Completion Year - 2025

This was a commissioned painting which had at its core the need of highlighting a national symbol - the Golden Eagle within the mountain peaks of Albania where it rules supreme. It is featured on the nations flag which to the Albanian people represents freedom and heroism. 

The Golden Eagle can be found throughout North America and Europe. In Albania they are found primarily in mountainous regions of the country with home ranges or territories being quite large, up to 200 square kilometers. Their population in the country faces a decline due to threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Current estimates now range from 100 to 200 breeding pairs. This would suggest a decline of 50-60% in the last two decades. It is listed officially as threatened.

I have chosen an early spring sunrise as a means to convey new hope for this raptor of the skies. The mountain range is primarily composed of Mesozoic limestones and dolomites which time has worn down. Golden Eagles will build nests in the various cracks and crevasses of these mountains. Late winter through spring nests are constructed or are updated. This Golden Eagle pair are searching out nesting locations. Egg-laying will typically occur between January and May, with incubation lasting about 41-45 days.

This mountain peak is coated with Hawthorn shrubs or trees clinging to its rocky side. This is the Crataegus species that mostly grows between 5-15 meters. It has thorns on its branches as well beautiful miniature leaves that surround a small five peddle white flower in the centre during the spring. These are replaced in the fall and winter months with bright red cherries. I have surrounded the perched Golden Eagle with some of these flowers in order to show their scale.

(Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos canadensis)

CLOSE-UPS

HIGHER RESOLUTION CLOSE-UPS OF PAINTING CAN BE SEEN AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

Original art is best seen in person. If that is not always possible, then four cropped close-ups set here in higher resolution of the original painting can help. Move from left side, clockwise, the white cropping marks indicate the area in the painting.

For cellphone users, please flip toward side view and zoom in.