Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: I had to stop going through the more than 200 photos I took of this butterfly this morning and share this long-tailed skipper with all of you. I have never seen a long-tailed skipper before. I understand from some reading that some years this skipper is fairly common here and then some years go by where there are only one or two seen. It tends to be a further south critter. It really is that iridescent! Now, back to going through the rest of the shoot.
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River. There was a lot of fog across the river and up through the meadow this morning. It was delightfully cool. The fog looked like it had its long skirts on and was dancing to the morning song. Take care, be safe. Stay well!
Jordan Lake, Haw River: Doc Ellen’s Evening Note 10/04/2020. It is a comfort to me to know that there are a pair of eyes joining those of the Creator to make certain I have undisturbed sleep and sweetest of dreams. Thank you red-tailed hawk for being a guardian this night.
Jordan Lake, Haw River: Doc Ellen’s Palette, where the 12-year-old child in me looks at the world a wee bit differently. Bald Eagle Fledgling in Black and White. And, oh so well camouflaged – look for the very black beak!
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River, October 2, 2020. It was a big bird day: a fledgling bald eagle over head. It was a little bird day: a red-breasted nuthatch in flight. Migratory update: I last saw the Kirtland’s warbler at noon on Wed. at the dam, did not see her Thursday or Friday. I have been watching palm warblers and Cape May warblers in the same area. Most likely the Kirtland’s has headed on towards the Bahamas – I hope her flight goes well!
Jordan Lake, Haw River, Wednesday September 30, 2020: Update on Kirtland’s Warbler – she is STILL HERE! Yes! I had wondered if last night’s rain and colder weather would send her on the next part of her journey, but there she was, 1) eyeing a protein packet 2) happily eating a spider protein packet 3) a yellow-throated warbler was also there. She has been active all morning, up until noon and then again in the later afternoon … I hope she is still there tomorrow and that those of you who haven’t seen her yet get a chance to do just that.
doc ellen's journey 