Jordan Lake: Momma Kate and Dad Petruchio, the bald eagle parents at First Nest, were busy this morning doing upkeep and repair work on their nest. Kate is due to lay eggs in about 2 weeks.
Jordan Lake State Park
CategoryDid I Really Catch the Fish?
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: I had just settled in on the riprap of the dam, just past the fishing pier, at 26 minutes after sunrise. An explosive motion caught my eye. This 4-year-old male bald eagle exploded out of the deep shadows of the trees across the river from me. He hit the water so fast that I missed his flare, caught his capture of the fish, wondered if he could hold onto the large fish with just one foot. The eagle wondered that too and glanced down to check…
Unforgettable Holiday Gifts!
Do you want your holiday gifts to be vivid and remembered all year? Explore Doc Ellen’s wild aviary at https://docellentinsley.smugmug.com for prints and wall art. And while there find yourself a splash of color for your wall or your desktop – perhaps this wood duck drake would do just fine. Thanks for taking a look! Peace and grace, Doc Ellen.
Launch!
Jordan Lake: About a week ago, Captain Doug and I spent several minutes in his boat, floating quietly on the lake, watching this female bald eagle enjoying a meal of a fish she had caught. We both waited patiently for the moment when she would finish the fish, clean her beak, stretch, shake out and launch into another tour of her kingdom. Oh, how I do like catching the energy of a launch!
Doc Ellen’s Evening Note 12/03/2020
Jordan Lake: The cold autumn evening is brightening with stars. The pair of mourning doves are settling down on their sheltering roost for the night. May you also find a safe and warm roost for the night. Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen
I Want the Fish, Now!
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River, Bald Eagle Gathering. Bald eagles will steal, or try to, a fish from other bald eagles. The eagle in the lead is a mature bald eagle and he is carrying a small, white fish that is dangling in his talons just below his tail feathers. The chaser is a 2-year-old bald eagle and it surely wants the fish. The perched fledgling eagle ogles the other two birds for the moment, but eventually it also entered the chase … too far down river for my camera to make an attempt at a shot.
doc ellen's journey 