Jordan Lake. The horned grebe is a superb swimmer: its legs are almost under its tail and it has specialized feet that are long lobes like hickory tree leaves. It uses its leaf feet to propel itself quite quickly underwater. However, the placement and kind of feet keep the grebe from being able to takeoff efficiently … it can only launch from open water.
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AuthorAmerican Coot
Jordan Lake. The American coot is an interesting waterbird. He is an omnivore and is as happy dabbing at food on the surface or going underneath the water to get stuff or walking along finding tidbits. His lobed feet serve well for either paddling or walking.
Into the Air!
Jordan Lake. Mallard ducks, especially the drakes, always seem to launch from the water as if they were exploding into the air! That’s certainly what this pair looked like to Captain Doug and I when we were out on the lake yesterday.
Bald Eagle Autumn Song
Jordan Lake. Bald Eagle Autumn Song: millions of years of being / sky empress of North America / each fish, tree, human seeing / she passes through autumn’s rising mists / my earth-bound heart now pleading / free me, tell me, how too can I fly?
Bald Eagle Fledgling in the Wrong Place!
Jordan Lake. A pair of adult bald eagles were perched quietly. One suddenly jumped up and flew over the peninsula. Then bald eagle screaming began on the other side of the trees. Captain Doug got us around the cove to find a fledgling bald eagle who was apparently in the adult bald eagles’ territory. There was about three minutes of fast and furious chase time. All three eagles seemed to be fine at the end of all of the chasing.
Common Loon Returns
Jordan Lake. This morning with Captain Doug we found our first common loon of the season. It is very early. Usually don’t see the loons till about Thanksgiving. You will notice that the water was rather rough. If you’re at the lake at first light or just before dusk, stop, be still and listen … you may hear a loon’s haunting call.
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