neighdoctor

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By Doc Ellen’s GoFundMe update

Thank you! My GoFundMe campaign is at 80% fulfillment. Yesterday I got a note through the campaign web site from a high school classmate … we had lost touch with each other many years ago. She had received a share of my Face Book posting about the campaign and in a blink of computer time, we were connected again. Therein ensued a virtual blizzard of emails, texts and phone calls. When I set up the campaign I had no idea what to expect … and was startled and grateful for the responses from each of you. And, because of this campaign, in this world that often seems determined to separate each of us from the other and from our environment, I was given the opportunity to renew a friendship. May each of you today find a renewal…of friendships, kinships and loving kindness … My thanks for your continuing support through donations and the sharing of this post. Link to GoFundMe https://gofund.me/9ba7f009

By Dad Hershey and a Red-tailed Hawk

Jordan Lake. H&G bald eagle nest. I heard dad Hershey yelling. Looked up to see dad go right over the top of his nest. I couldn’t see any chicks in the nest because the alarm called by their dad had sent them down to hide. Dad Hershey was chasing another bird. I blinked. The bald eagle was chasing a red-tailed hawk. That red-tailed hawk is smaller than the eagle chicks are at this point and is no danger to them. Dad was simply agitated and wanted to make sure that the hawk stayed out of bald eagle territory.

Dad Hershey and his nest
Dad Hershey and a Red-tailed Hawk

By Bald Eagles and Avian Flu

Bald Eagles are at risk due to Avian Flu. The avian influenza has been detected in NC commercial poultry flocks - likely brought into the area by wild birds. I have not yet observed or been notified of any cases of Avian Flu here at Jordan Lake.

I would advise anyone that finds an eagle on the ground incapacitated or dead, not to touch it and to immediately call the NC Wildlife Resource Commission at 1 (800) 662-7137‬. Anyone touching the sick eagle can spread the virus to their hands, clothes, etc. I am not as worried about a human getting the avian flu (so far it has not transmitted from bird to human) but any contamination you might get on yourself - hands, clothes, shoes, rubber gloves - can too easily transfer from you to say your bird feeders, etc. at home. Best to let the personnel with the proper protection and protocol pick up the bird.

Please share this information!