First Nest has 2 Chicks!

By neighdoctor March 26, 2021 First Nest has 2 Chicks!

Jordan Lake Bald Eagle nest report: First Nest has 2 chicks! It is a little hard to see the second chick in the second photo because it has turned its back to us and we can really see how raggedy its plumage has become as it goes from dark gray to dark brown feathers. I never call the nest chick count until I can definitely see both chicks at the same time. Otherwise, I might be counting the same chick twice as it appeared in different parts of the nest.

Fish Locating Antennae?

By neighdoctor March 23, 2021 Fish Locating Antennae?

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: sometimes Mother Nature makes me heartedly laugh! This great blue heron appears to have special antennae just for locating fish. But joyful laugher aside, the plumes are there because it is the start of breeding season and he has put on his finery. The season is also why his chest plumes are so extravagant. The wind tossed those special feathers every which way. Those plumes almost caused the extinction of herons and egrets in this country: back when ladies wore elaborate hats and wanted those feathers to add to their perceived finery.

Bald Eagle and Mom Osprey

By neighdoctor March 22, 2021 Bald Eagle and Mom Osprey

Jordan Lake Dam & Haw River: the riprap at the tailrace has become a traffic jam! There have been more than a dozen ospreys and 4-5 bald eagles all looking for fish. However, the bald eagle is a lazy hunter. In this case, an eagle, about 14 months old, had decided it wanted Mom osprey’s fish. The high speed chase lasted almost 2 minutes. The pursuit went from the dam to the south end of the riprap. Mom osprey dropped her fish at that point and the bald eagle went out over the playground and Mom osprey went looking for another fish in the riprap. This duel often happens where ever ospreys and bald eagles inhabit the same water ways. The photos also let you see the size difference between the two species.