The backward pointing toe of the bald eagle is the hallux. The hallux works in a fashion similar to the thumbs in humans and it allows the eagle to grab and carry its prey with its feet. In the female bald eagle the hallux can be as long as 2 inches while in the male it’s only 1.25 inches. You can certainly see the size of the hallux on this female!
Jordan Lake Dam. A pair of northern mockingbirds decided that a black vulture was spending way too much time inside their territory. Being mockingbirds, they decided to harass the vulture. At one point the vulture and one of the mockingbirds seemed to have a quiet moment of contemplation … didn’t last long.
Jordan Lake. Split second decision / capture launch / or turn / to see / what had fledgling’s attention / face dirty / yet regal / I took the shot
Jordan Lake Dam. The male osprey has caught two fish. I can’t tell you whether the small fish was in the process of being caught by the big fish when the osprey caught both fish. Or did the osprey’s talons catch the small fish as it’s talons caught the large fish. I don’t honestly know … an interesting puzzle.
Jordan Lake Dam. The male osprey went fishing in between the dam’s tail race walls. He disappeared into the rolling waves of the thundering Haw River. When I finally got a clear focus on him, I just stared. I have long known that an osprey can might nigh carry half of his own 3 pounds of weight … but as the osprey swung past me … that is one huge crappie under the bird. Whew!
doc ellen's journey 