At this point in the herring gull melee, the fish was the only one with his mouth closed and silent.
The lowest herring gull, on the left, is the one who caught the fish and then dropped it.
Ultimately, the fish won this round, after actually bouncing off the surface of the river and then diving for safety.
Jordan Lake
Categoryjust because
Sometimes, sometimes the wind fills your feathers.
Your blood runs hot in the cold winter air.
And, just because you can, you do a 180 º roll and drop into a loop.
The two year old bald eagle and I laughed together in the gusting wind.
dark stripe
Three-year old bald eagles and their mottled camouflage make trying to capture them with a camera difficult.
This one almost blends in with the water to the point of making my camera struggle with the focus.
She did get her fish and I got my shot.
Note the distinctive 3 year-old dark stripe through her eye.
challenge
The 3 year old bald eagle, on the right, had been perched on the branch just below it.
The adult bald eagle, on the left, flew in, wanting the perch.
Both eagles were instantly in the air.
Talons a very real threat.
Ultimately both birds tumbled to the right with the 3 year old chasing the adult.
meet the photographer
at the Jordan Lake Recreation Area Visitor Center
New photo gallery donated by Ellen Tinsley aka doc Ellen, will showcase the Bald Eagle. Doc Ellen is a retired veterinarian who has turned to nature photography as a new past time. She spends numerous hours each week around the lake. These are fantastic photos of our national emblem and is a must see for any birder or eagle enthusiast. The best part, these eagles reside right here at Jordan Lake!
“My privilege is to watch, record the bald eagles almost daily and share my field notes with the rangers and scientists. My gift to all of you, in thanks for the hours so gratefully and joyfully spent with the eagles of Jordan Lake is, in part, this gallery.” –doc ellen
Visitor Center will be open from 2-4pm and doc ellen will be on hand for any questions.
Date of Event: Sat, 01/23/2016 – 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Start Location:
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
280 State Park Road, Apex, NC 27523
Visitor Center
rescue in 4 photos
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.
doc ellen's journey 