The eagle faces a difficult choice in its 40s, as its talons, beak, and heavy wings make hunting difficult. It can either die or undergo a painful months-long process of regeneration. The eagle knocks its beak against rocks to remove it, waits for a new beak, and then removes its talons. Once new talons grow back, it plucks its old feathers. After five months, the eagle emerges reborn and lives another 30 years. Change is needed for survival, as the past must be shed to take advantage of present opportunities.