Jordan Lake State Park

Category

By Jordan Lake Bald Eagle Nest report: First Nest

Sometimes, it takes a “not-seeing” moment for me to realize in the next blink, that I am “seeing” something. For instance, that is Kate standing in her nest. In the 1st photo, look between Kate’s left shoulder and the tree branch and note the empty space there. In the second photo, a small darkness has appeared in that same gap. In the 3rd photo the darkness has become one of her chicks! In the 4th photo, the chick has disappeared again. Neat sequence of Kate’s approximately 5-6 week old chick peeking past her shoulder.

By Smile!

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: I do believe this double-crested cormorant was smiling! This is not the usual flight orientation that I get to shoot. This youngster came up off the river, banked gently, glanced at me and turned right back to the river, and back to his fishing in the riprap.

By Osprey Shake

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: On a fishing dive, an osprey picks up a lot of water. Water is heavy at 8 pounds per gallon. The osprey is an efficient flyer so once it gains some height above the water, the bird does a shake to throw off the excess water and its weight. I love watching the shake start at the bird’s beak and finally flipping off at the end of its tail – just like a very wet dog. The bright morning light striking the scattering drops makes the osprey a sparkling sunburst.

By Brilliant Brooch

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Mom Osprey got herself a fish this morning. She hit the water, grabbed the fish and was gone out over the dam almost before I knew she was there! The glittering sunshine sure made her a brilliant brooch against the river.

By Ospreys have Returned!

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Dear Momma Osprey!  Welcome back to your breeding home here at Jordan Lake.  You are always my reliable signal that Spring is just around the bend.  What a tremendous flight you have taken … more than 3000 miles from South America to North Carolina.  I am glad you had the endurance and good winds to get back here again!