Mallard??? Nope, not quite! This is a hybrid mallard. I sent the first 2 photos over to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences on their Ask a Naturalist site and asked did they have any ideas what the parentage was. They said they felt that it was mallard x muscovy duck x Graylag goose. Mallards often cross breed with other duck and goose species. My goodness what a mixture. However, quite a gorgeous bird to see. Third photo is a normal mallard so you can see the difference.
A four-year-old bald eagle, to me, often has very interesting plumage patterns. They are in the process of finally attaining the totally white tail and head and a body cloaked in deepest dark brown feathers that at 5-years of age marks their maturity. Captain Doug and I found this youngster landing as if she owned the whole cove. I’m sure that’s what she thought.
Having already seen several bald eagles on our cruise, the brilliant white delicacy of the great egrets gave Captain Doug and I a very different point of view!
Bald eagles like to hide while keeping an eye on their territory. Captain Doug and I floated past LadyLake this week while we were out checking on the health of each bald eagle nest.
Captain Doug and I were out today cruising the lake and checking on nests. The day was delightfully dry, just cool enough, and with some moderate wind. We saw several bald eagles. This bald eagle gave us a good look at her catfish as she launched.
The turkey vulture and I spent almost an hour being mesmerized by the turbulence of the Haw River as it tossed waves up against the interior of the tailrace. Interesting, isn’t it, that birds (and most other animals) can be spell-bound by the world they inhabit! I enjoyed the mutual time in contemplation.
doc ellen's journey 