herons

Category

By Jordan Lake Neighborhood, 2 photos, 02-18-2019
Jordan Lake Neighborhood
 
Great blue herons often argue and chase one another.
Each is certain that the other heron has the better fishing spot on the bank.
This fracas started on the shore of the Haw River, inside the riprap.
The dam was stunning fish as they passed through the gates and the pickings were easy.
Unless, of course, your neighbor heron was further upstream than you were and the fish passed them first.
Both herons missed the fish and a third heron a little further downstream had it for breakfast.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

By Jordan Lake Dam: Bald Eagle Distraction 2 photos, 01-04-2019
The bald eagle was lined up, eyes steady on the fish.
He had dropped his feet and was ready to flare his talons.
I was hoping for a great photo of a fish catch.
And then …
 
 
The great blue heron squawked, gronked, flared his head feathers and the eagle got distracted.
The eagle bent away from the heron, pulled up his feet and went around for another try.
The look on the eagle’s face was priceless.

By Jordan Lake Neighborhood, Great Blue Heron in the Rain, 12-15-2018
The great blue heron was standing on the fishing pier railing at the Jordan Lake Dam tailrace this morning.
She was ignoring the rain but intently watching another great blue heron on the other side of the river.
Good thing my camera also ignores the rain, but I do try to keep it dry.
Now, as far as doc goes: my winter coat shed the rain and most of the cold, but I was happy to return to my truck after an hour or so.

By Jordan Lake Dam Neighborhood, 4 photos 11-18-2018
Time for a Ramble in the Jordan Lake Neighborhood
 
The Cooper’s hawk is small, swift and often takes medium-sized birds while in flight.
 
 
 
Cedar waxwings are winter visitors here.
They love cedar berries and you can see the red “wax” at the inside lower edge of this one’s wing.
 
 
 
 
 
The first time I saw a Bonaparte gull I thought it was some species of tern.
These are dancers just above the water as they hunt for fish.
 
 
 
 
Immature great blue herons often look like they are feathered in a wash made from grey and pink pearls.