Jordan Lake. Single bright white down feather cast into the air as a black vulture preens. Sometimes the only picture of a vulture we carry in our minds is that of a vulture during its meal of carrion. Yet, like bald eagles or African lions who become a mess during a meal, vultures also soon cleanse themselves. I would not want to live in a world without vultures and their necessary task of helping to clean our environment.
Jordan Lake. The rushing Haw River continues to escape the dam. The morning golden hour was fading away. This fledgling osprey caught itself a catfish. I caught the reflection of both bird and fish.
Jordan Lake. It is often said the devil is in the details. In this case the details are in the bald eagle. I often tell people if you can’t see a bald eagle: look for bright yellow feet or maybe all you will get is a glimpse of a bright yellow beak. Captain Doug and I came across this eagle last week and he sure put on a beautifully detailed launch.
Jordan Lake. I watched the two-year-old bald eagle launch. Found myself wondering if I reached my arms up high enough towards the sky could I somehow make feathers appear and I, earthbound human, join the flight? Oh my.
4th of July, Jordan Lake Neighborhood. 7000 feathers gives the bald eagle the freedom of flight. May our hearts – united from street to street and mountains to valleys to vast plains – give each other the freedom to discuss, compromise and decide how to let each soul have contentment.
Peace and grace, Doc Ellen.
Jordan Lake. Even the Bald Eagles are showing the effects of the high humid temperatures. Birds don’t have sweat glands. Bald eagles, like dogs, pant to help get rid of body heat. You can see this eagle’s tongue as it’s working to cool itself off. I have seen ospreys, vultures, hawks and song birds all panting to dissipate heat. Not easy weather for anything that is out and about.
doc ellen's journey 