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
Definitely not at Jordan Lake! Grayced the Cat, my home companion, wanted to share with you some of HIS birds he watches while Doc is at the lake. This is a pair of House Wrens, cousins to the Carolina wren, getting the nest box ready for eggs and chicks. At this point in the process it is Momma wren that is doing the nest construction. Dad wren dashes about singing his territory song – I wish I could have shared his song with you but the little iPhone couldn’t capture the sound through the picture window. BTW Grayced the Cat has his own Facebook page where he and I occasionally post some of his adventures and good sleep wishes – you can visit his page at https://www.facebook.com/GraycedCat/.
Whether it is a teenager with the keys to the car or a fledgling that has the whole sky in which to fly, this time in a youngster’s life is hard on a parent! The father blue grosbeak has caught a bug for his youngster. Now, he has to find the fledging. Ever consider how hard it is to keep track of a teenager … especially one that can fly?
When someone mentions a flycatcher, we tend to think of phoebes or swallows or even blue-grey gnatcatchers. But, ha, the northern mockingbird is good at catching insects in flight too. Yesterday, I caught up with a mockingbird, on the wing, chasing his breakfast at the lake.
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 