The Bonaparte’s gull was all wrapped in fishing line.
Scot made an experienced cast with a broken-off fishing rod that A.C.E. Ranger Lane provided from lost and found.
He snagged the gull, reeled it in and TJ gently untangled the bird….
It took 4 hands to untangle all the fishing line.
Just released, the gull floated away.
The Bonaparte’s gull rested a while and then was back in the air looking for fish.
It was midmorning when I caught this eagle heading into the trees.
He is carrying his fresh caught fish tucked up against his tail.
Pair of northern harriers: the “grey ghost” as he is known in the birding world and his mate.
The light bird, the “ghost” is the male.
Note how he indeed looks like a “ghost” of the beautifully colored female harrier.
What isn’t shown here is the topside of the grey ghost which is a subtly grey, elegant set of feathers.
I think he is called a ghost for the grey topside, the pale ghosting image of his bottom side and…
the grey ghost is elusive and seldom noticed.
The Grey Ghost has long been on my bucket list…now to get a portrait on him perched on a post displaying his grey topside…
the Grey Ghost
a very fierce eagle itch
I was waiting for the clean-up volunteers from the Jordan Lake Wildlife Cam group when I had a visitor.
Wouldn’t you know, I had put my camera down to rest my arm when this face appeared in the water.
I weighed just watching or risking spooking the animal if I picked up my camera.
The river otter was as curious about me as I was about him and he swam in and looked me over.
This is the first photo of two.
It gives you the view I had when I caught the motion of the immature eagle through the upper trees and snapped the shot.
The second view is a close up of the 1 year old as he hurtled through the trees.
He has a fish, and out of sight is the 3 year old eagle chasing him, wanting to steal the yearling’s fish.
I don’t know the ending – the chase was at top speed and quickly out of my sight.
doc ellen's journey 