One Spot the male osprey came in and did a slow cruise past me and filled up my lens! I noted that his front was messy – he’d probably been feeding fish to his chicks and that can be a messy affair. He would probably stop in a few minutes and do a head to toe grooming as it isn’t the safest thing to fly with dirty feathers. Birds are more fastidious about cleanliness than cats.
The chicks are beginning to exercise their wings, legs and chest. They have to be strong for that first flight! I call this practice work “trampolining”. Bounce, young ones, bounce!!!!!
We got by the nest this morning to find Captain Mom and both chicks doing well. These chicks have really grown. This nest is about the last one on the lake to have their babies fledge out – they should fly in about 2 weeks. It sure was great getting to see Mom eagle and her chicks!
Jordan Lake Dam, Haw River: Aa I photographed this bald eagle, flying towards the rising sun this morning, I found myself thinking about this afternoon and its promise of possibilities: the possibility to once again gather in small groups, the possibility to be responsible in our distances within those groups, the possibility to protect others by wearing our masks. It is hard, as a social species, to be apart and not gather and hug and hold each other. But, we humans can do what the bald eagle cannot: we can thoughtfully make decisions and then live by them. I am waiting as patiently as possible – to know that all of you are safe and healthy. So, go into this afternoon, rejoice and know that this is a first step. Peace and Grace, Doc Ellen
In this evening’s uncertainties, I found myself wondering just what do I need to do next … what should be my next action. Then I remembered this 4-year-old bald eagle from January 14, 2019. He picked his path, set his eye on the perch he wanted and solidly made a landing. May we all find a perch, a place to stop and breathe and know that we too will stick the landing and greet the next moment with assurance and hope.
doc ellen's journey 