Jordan Lake. First Nest. Do not, I repeat, do not blink! I saw the first fledgling pop up out of the trees so I turned to follow it. Then realized the second fledgling was also in the air. By that time I had lost track of the first one. So like I said don’t blink … this is the second of the two fledglings. Hopefully in the next couple of days I’ll get pictures of both of them together!
Jordan Lake State Park
CategoryMeteor
Jordan Lake Dam. I was with some friends on top of the dam late last night. All of us hoping to see the aurora. After a couple of hours it was very apparent that we missed the best show on the night before. However, when I got home I found that I had incidentally photographed a meteor arching earthward. Even though we didn’t see the northern lights it was great being out with friends!

Great Blue Heron and American Water Willows
Jordan Lake. Great blue herons really enjoy standing still within a garden of American water willows. Fish love to get in around the stems of the American water willow which of course means it’s a good place for a great blue heron to look for food. The American water willow’s blossom reminds me somewhat of a tiny iris. You can find them at some of the boat ramps on Jordan Lake these days. Go and enjoy this native plant.


Mockingbird and Cicadas Songs
Jordan Lake. Do you need some bright cheerful song to brighten up the grayness of the day? This northern Mockingbird was very full of itself. Occasionally looked down to make sure that I was actually listening and watching it. By the way the constant hum underneath the mockingbird’s song is the chorus of the cicadas singing.
Doc Ellen’s Evening Note May 8, 2024
Just as the eastern kingbird tucks his beak to slumber beneath the evening stars, may each of you find a safe perch and peaceful sleep this night.

Mom Kate
Jordan Lake. First Nest. This is a black-and-white rendition of Mom Kate carrying a fish to the nest today. I still do not know whether or not the second chick has fledged! I either see one in the nest or two in the nest, or one in the nest and one in the air. So until I can see both of them in the air at the same time, I’m still up in the air about both having fledged, so to speak.

