Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Usually, when I sit down to edit my day’s photo shoot, I go chronologically. But this afternoon, I began at the end of the shoot so I could bring you my first eastern tiger swallowtail of this year. Please enjoy the sunny bright colors of the butterfly sipping nectar from the blooming redbud tree. Now, where was I … oh yes … on to the ospreys from this morning.
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: “Oh, I know you, you great big eagle, that you think you are the onliest one who can carry a big stick up to your nest,” huffed the chipping sparrow. “I may be only 5 1/2 inches long and weigh less than an ounce, but I am sure I can pick this stick up and take it up to MY nest,” the wee bird earnestly chirped. Then the chipping sparrow grimaced and gathered his muscles as he went to reach for the stick. I was wondering how this was going to end. I didn’t want the little sparrow to lose face, so to speak, if his plan didn’t end well. His attempt was abruptly ended and my full focus on him was jerked around to behind me at the sudden sound of a trash can lid clattering to the ground. In that split second of distraction, the chipping sparrow fled away without his big stick. I was sorry for the little guy and his lost effort, but, … well my human mind said that he had had no hope … but then, hope does tend to spring eternal in both human and bird hearts.
Jordan Lake: I don’t often get to see the beginning of the breeding plumage change in the common loon as usually these beautiful birds have all headed north by now. The loon’s plumage patterns are startling and, yet, its face is wistful. I watched it for a moment, thinking about changes in all of our lives. May you have a peaceful night and dream with the loon who is probably hundreds of miles north by now.
peace and grace, Doc Ellen
Jordan Lake Bald Eagle nest report: First Nest has 2 chicks! It is a little hard to see the second chick in the second photo because it has turned its back to us and we can really see how raggedy its plumage has become as it goes from dark gray to dark brown feathers. I never call the nest chick count until I can definitely see both chicks at the same time. Otherwise, I might be counting the same chick twice as it appeared in different parts of the nest.
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: sometimes Mother Nature makes me heartedly laugh! This great blue heron appears to have special antennae just for locating fish. But joyful laugher aside, the plumes are there because it is the start of breeding season and he has put on his finery. The season is also why his chest plumes are so extravagant. The wind tossed those special feathers every which way. Those plumes almost caused the extinction of herons and egrets in this country: back when ladies wore elaborate hats and wanted those feathers to add to their perceived finery.
Jordan Lake Dam & Haw River: the riprap at the tailrace has become a traffic jam! There have been more than a dozen ospreys and 4-5 bald eagles all looking for fish. However, the bald eagle is a lazy hunter. In this case, an eagle, about 14 months old, had decided it wanted Mom osprey’s fish. The high speed chase lasted almost 2 minutes. The pursuit went from the dam to the south end of the riprap. Mom osprey dropped her fish at that point and the bald eagle went out over the playground and Mom osprey went looking for another fish in the riprap. This duel often happens where ever ospreys and bald eagles inhabit the same water ways. The photos also let you see the size difference between the two species.
doc ellen's journey 