Jordan Lake. The eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly often gathers in large masses to feed upon the salt found in various muds. The salt is believed to be needed for reproduction. It is an awesome sight to see that many butterflies piled up in one place! Did you see the one butterfly get flattened and then jump right back up?
Jordan Lake State Park
CategoryNo Bald Eagle Nest Reports?
Jordan Lake. You’ve probably wondered why there has not been a report from Doc Ellen on the bald eagle nests of late. The lake level has been so very high that I cannot get in to monitor the nests. Most of the boat ramps are so far underwater that boats can’t get in either. It will most likely be end of next week before I can get back to checking on the nests. Sigh!
Wind Indicator
Jordan Lake Dam. Just in case, you know, if perhaps you were wondering what it took to chase all the rain away… Well, I think this great blue heron is a pretty good indicator of just how much wind it took to bring us this bright Easter Sunday.
Dad Bard Defends First Nest
Jordan Lake. First Nest. More than 2500 feet away from me I watched Dad Bard really get into the case of a yearling bald eagle that had the audacity to try to trespass upon First Nest territory. I converted the shots to black-and-white to try to give you as much detail as possible – almost 1/2 mile is a long stretch for my lens. I hope you enjoy the video.
Wing Wapping
Jordan Lake. First Nest. Bald eagle chicks soon begin to exercise their wings and chest muscles in anticipation of eventual flight. I call this exercise “wing wapping”. As you can see the exercise can get quite vigorous. At one point the chick that is wing wapping is annoying the other two chicks.
Killdeer Morning Song
Jordan Lake. Doc Ellen’s Natural Minute. Killdeer have a very distinct call. I almost always hear them before I see them. But, this morning this killdeer did his bobbing dance just above the bluff from me so we get to enjoy his morning song and his body work too.
doc ellen's journey 