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.

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: This morning the weather was cold, crisp and windy … bald eagles love those conditions. These two immature bald eagles came speeding up the river, headed towards the dam. They sparred as they went past me and were still trying to prove which one was the better fighter when they disappeared over the dam towards the main lake. The top eagle is a 2-year-old and the bottom eagle is a 3-year-old.

A hummingbird? Perhaps a songbird, duck or bald eagle? Natural focal points for your desk or your living room wall? Please wander through https://docellentinsley.smugmug.com where you could get all your holiday shopping done. Maybe you would like to share some fine art with family and friends for the Holidays. In my gallery you can order a large variety of birds and landscapes as prints, framed wall art or desk art, or greeting cards! Thanks for your support and friendship, peace and grace, Doc Ellen

The cypress tree has knees that allow it to bridge very different environments – soil, water and air.  The cypress tree reminds me that bridges in life are often needed. Thanksgiving Day gives me the opportunity to reach from my heart to yours and to tell each of you how utterly grateful I am that you allow me into your lives by sharing what I see and photograph.  So please take my thank you through this special day and into many tomorrows and pass the joy on to the next heart or soul that needs your help to build a healing bridge.  Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: I recently found out that this particular plumage pattern is called a “white belly” bald eagle. This youngster is one of this year’s fledglings. I see one or two of these white bellies every year. The eaglet will be mostly brown by the time it is a 3-year-old.

Jordan Lake: I am free in my pursuit to photograph our National Emblem because the Veterans we honor this Veteran’s Day gave us a gift we can just barely understand. These Veterans had the courage to accept the call to protect the Liberty enshrined in our Democracy – they accepted even though they might die for their faithfulness. My heartfelt thank you to those Veterans who are now memories and to those who still breathe the air they help protect. I hope this image of the American Bald Eagle can say what my words cannot speak: your selfless dedication soars on the Wings of an Eagle.