There is trust between these two double-crested cormorant friends. One watches and one sleeps. May you drift to sleep thinking of your precious friendships too.

There is trust between these two double-crested cormorant friends. One watches and one sleeps. May you drift to sleep thinking of your precious friendships too.

The BALD EAGLES and OSPREYS of Jordan Lake need your HELP! There have been sightings this spring and summer of bald eagles and ospreys with some kind of dark fluids staining their feathers. We are asking for your help in reporting any birds that you observe that are coated or if you see any unusual substances on or in the water of the lake or shoreline. Please contact NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 1 (800) 662-7137 if you sight an injured bird or a dead bald eagle or osprey. Please leave the injured bird alone and do not try to capture it. Any remains must stay in-place. You may also share your concerns with the Army Corps of Engineers at (919-542-4501 x2428) or Doc Ellen via FB messenger or Instagram message. Please include with your notice a location, date, time of day, species of bird and what the bird looked like. Thank you for your help!


Jordan Lake, Tuesday, September 8, 2020. While out with Captain Doug, checking bald eagle and osprey nests, we found this very photogenic bald eagle. I caught him at that moment of suspension just between being perched and in full flight. It was great seeing a bald eagle up close again … it was great to find a bald eagle to share with all of you!!!!!

Jordan Lake, Haw River, Labor Day, September 7, 2020. To labor means to share. Each of us has a way to share our abilities … whether those abilities are of our bodies, or our minds or our hearts. I celebrate today those who labor and are sharing with each and every one of us. May the light of the Creator shine within all of our sharing and upon each and every one of us. Have a blessed day. Thank you for your labors!

Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River, Sunday, September 6, 2020. Doc Ellen‘s Natural Minute. It was delightfully cool this morning. The dry air felt like silk. I didn’t see many birds, only ones way far off. But that’s OK. Sometimes it’s great just to listen to the river. Take care, be safe, stay well!
Nine years and a day ago, I found my companion Grayced the Cat. He was utterly starved, afraid and abandoned at Jordan Lake. Through the loving rehabilitation of his Auntie Alicia and what veterinary skills I could bring to his recovery, he thrived. He weighed less than a pound the day I found him as a probable five month old kitten. Today he weighs eight pounds and fills my lap and my life with grace. He just asked for dinner … he is, after all a cat …
