Amateur B.C. photographer waits 2 days for picture of bald eagle on world’s 2nd tallest totem pole

Adam meets a man who lost a camera card, before finding the perfect picture.

VICTORIA, B.C. — Carlos Paniagua is kneeling in the middle of the field, where he’s been searching for countless hours over two days.

“It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack,” Carlos says, parting the tall blades of grass

Yesterday, he lost his camera’s memory card, which contained more than 3,000 photos.

“Well, it felt very bad,” Carlos says. “I was very upset.”

While the amateur photographer’s phone is filled with pictures he’s taken of all sorts of other animals, the memory card featured just one — a bald eagle.

“They’re magnificent,” Carlos smiles. “I love this animal.”

That’s why he waited in Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park for almost six hours to finally get a picture of a bald eagle perched on top of the world’s second-tallest totem pole.

The totem pole used to be tallest, until it was surpassed by another in Alert Bay in 1973.

“They can come from anywhere, so I only have a few seconds to get ready,” Carlos says pointing his camera with a long lens attached to tripod. “My camera is already focused on the top of the totem pole.”

While he’s already waited another few hours today, trying to see his beloved bald eagle again with no success, Carlos is undeterred.

“Look at that!” He smiles scanning the park which overlooks the ocean and mountains. “It’s the best view!”

You see, after growing up in South America, Carlos has travelled around more than 100 countries.

“I’ve basically seen all the wonders of the world,” Carlos says. “Both natural and man-made.”

But after also visiting all our provinces and territories, he’s found Canada is by far the best.

“I never take Canada for granted,” Carlos beams. “This is it!”

So even if the top of the totem pole stays empty, Carlos’ heart remains full.

“Oh! Look at that!” Carlos stops in the middle of what he was saying and rushes to his camera. “It’s coming!”

The eagle flies past the pole, before circling back, and landing right where Carlos had focused his camera’s lens.

“It’s an honour to photograph such amazing animals,” Carlos smiles.

But although he’s grateful for this second chance to get the shot, Carlos says just being with that bird in this place is what fills him with joy.

“You already lived the most wonderful moment,” Carlos says. “Not with your camera, but with your eyes and memory.”

And when you take the moment to really relish what can’t be contained on a card, you’ll find the wonderful memories can never really be lost.