Sometimes I am blessed and one the largest creatures of flight at the lake, a bald eagle, will come and perch above my shoulder and watch the world with me. Sometimes, one of the smaller creatures, such as this dragonfly, will come and sit, weightless on my foot, and we too watch the world together. Video was made on May 25, 2018, Jordan Lake.
Jordan Lake State Park
CategoryJordan Lake: Bald Eagle First Nest Unusual Event
Bald eagles are not usually sociable. They tolerate a mate and their chicks. Sometimes in winter, bald eagles will congregate around a food source, but argue about it. Once a chick has fledged, the parents will provide it some food and protection into the fall, but then the fledgling is on its own. I have watched, once or twice a year, an eaglet (starting its first or second year of life) make a trip back to its home nest and be briefly tolerated by the parents. On March 26, 2020, I finally got to record one of these encounters. Kate and one of her chicks are visited by the 2019 male fledgling from First Nest. Eventually Petruchio took exception to the visitor and chased it away. I sure am glad I could show you this uncommon bald eagle event!
Doc Ellen’s Natural Minute 04/01/2020
Jordan Lake Invitation to Ramble…
Jordan Lake Neighborhood: Wood Ducks, 2 photos
Either I was slow with my reactions, or, wood ducks are very fast. Come to find out, they easily cruise at 50 mph which is probably why I had to track them three times across the cove before I got a couple of photos. And, yes, the drake’s eye really is red. I also like the white eye-liner teardrop of the hen.
Jordan Lake, Bald Eagle Captain Nest: I Am The Fastest…
All parents, be they human or eagle, need an occasional break from parenting duties. Captain Mom came zipping past the nest with Captain Dad not far behind her. They flew hard and fast down the cove trying to be the first eagle to the tree. I think Captain Dad, the lower eagle, just barely won the race!



